caliph

or ca·lif

[ key-lif, kal-if ]

noun

1. a spiritual leader of Islam, claiming succession from Muhammad.
2. any of the former Muslim rulers of Baghdad (until 1258) and of the Ottoman Empire (from 1571 until 1924).

caliph

/ ˈkæl-; ˈkeɪlɪf /

noun

1. Islam the title of the successors of Mohammed as rulers of the Islamic world, later assumed by the Sultans of Turkey

Other Words From

• cal·iph·al [kal, -, uh, -f, uh, l, key, -l, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caliph¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English caliphe, califfe, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin calipha, from Arabic khalīf(a) “successor (of Muhammad),” derivative of khalafa “succeed”

Word History and Origins

Origin of caliph¹

C14: from Old French, from Arabic khalīfa successor

Example Sentences

He bragged of almost selling a pork bun to the Muhammedan caliph of Baghdad.

From Literature

“By my beard, you can have it. It’s juicier than other eyes. It has seen every color and every bride in the caliph’s harem.”

From Literature

It is named after Omar, Islam's second caliph.

From BBC

The pyramid was sealed until 820, when the Muslim leader Caliph al-Ma’mun broke it open on one side.

From NewsForKids.net

The 12th-century mosque was built where the Almohad dynasty established its first capital in a remote Atlas valley before going on to seize Marrakech, proclaim its leader Caliph, and march on across the region propelled by religious zeal.

From Reuters

Related Words

• czar
• emperor
• king
• monarch
• shah
• sultan