ayatollah

[ ah-yuh-toh-luh ]

noun

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

ayatollah

/ ˌaɪəˈtɒlə /

noun

1. one of a class of Iranian Shiite religious leaders

Word History and Origins

Origin of ayatollah¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ayatollah¹

via Persian from Arabic, from aya sign + Allah god

Example Sentences

Marandi kept the aged ayatollah under observation and advised him not to work so hard.

From The Daily Beast

“Ayatollah Khomeini had a stroke in 1986 and became comatose,” says Khalaji.

From The Daily Beast

When the Islamic Republic finally agreed to peace, its leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, likened it to drinking a cup of poison.

From The Daily Beast

But John is sure that he can nurture Ayatollah to bring out the best in him, if only Tzipi and Saeb will do their best for Salaam.

From The Daily Beast

Already in the womb, little Ayatollah is displaying worrisome signs.

From The Daily Beast