vizier

or vi·zir

[ vi-zeer, viz-yer ]

noun

1. (formerly) a high official in certain Muslim countries and caliphates, especially a minister of state. Compare grand vizier.

vizier

/ vɪˈzɪə /

noun

1. a high official in certain Muslim countries, esp in the former Ottoman Empire. Viziers served in various capacities, such as that of provincial governor or chief minister to the sultan

Derived Forms

• viˈziership, noun
• viˈzierial, adjective

Other Words From

• vi·zier·ate [vi-, zeer, -it, -eyt, viz, -yer-it, -y, uh, -reyt], vi·ziership noun
• vi·zieri·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vizier¹

1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr

Word History and Origins

Origin of vizier¹

C16: from Turkish vezīr, from Arabic wazīr porter, from wazara to bear a burden

Example Sentences

Abu'l Fazl, the grand vizier of the 16th Century Mughal emperor Akbar, mentions mutanjan in his writings, among dishes served at the royal table.

From BBC

“What’s especially concerning is that they come amid a resurgence of the very jihadist groups that fueled a wave of sectarian-tribal conflict in the area over a decade ago,” said Arif Rafiq, president of Vizier Consulting, a political risk advisory company in New York.

From New York Times

Dressed as the Royal Vizier version of Jafar from "Aladdin," Yang – draped in black and robes with a giant headless and snake-headed scepter – chomps the scenery with relish, rolling his R's and practically singing with diabolical laughter.

From Salon

He kills some number of women until his vizier presents his own daughter, Scheherazade.

From New York Times

“He rightly senses that the end could be near,” said Arif Rafiq, president of Vizier Consulting, a political risk advisory company in New York.

From New York Times