ayatollah

American  

[ah-yuh-toh-luh] / ˌɑ yəˈtoʊ lə /

noun

1. (among Shiʿites) a title in the religious hierarchy achieved by scholars who have demonstrated highly advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion.

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ayatollah British  

/ ˌaɪəˈtɒlə /

noun

1. one of a class of Iranian Shiite religious leaders

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Etymology

Origin of ayatollah

1975–80; < Persian < Arabic āyat allāh sign of God; Allah

Example Sentences

Some Iranians are calling him the “cardboard ayatollah.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Some are now calling him the “cardboard ayatollah,” while some are doubting he is even alive.

From The Wall Street Journal

If regime change fails, the ayatollahs will seek increased cooperation on such matters—and more, such as missile defense.

From The Wall Street Journal

Larijani, 68, has been described as a "true insider" in Iran, close to the late ayatollah and central to the republic's nuclear policy and strategic diplomacy over decades.

From Barron's

The new ayatollah, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen in public since the start of the war, reportedly injured in the strike that killed his father.

From Barron's