sheik

American  

[sheek, sheyk] / ʃik, ʃeɪk /

noun

1. Also sheikh. (in Islamic countries) the patriarch of a tribe or family; chief: a term of polite address.

2. Slang. a man held to be masterful and irresistibly charming to women.

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Other Word Forms

• sheiklike adjective

Etymology

Origin of sheik

First recorded in 1570–80; from Arabic shayḫ “old man, chief,” from shaka “to grow, grow up, grow old”

Explanation

In Arabic, sheik is an honorific title, as in a Saudi oil sheik who makes the business news. Sheik also refers to a specific head of a tribe or family, or a leader in a Muslim community. In parts of the Middle East, South Asia, and some Muslim areas of Africa, a sheik is a religious leader or cleric. Sometimes it's the way an Islamic scholar is addressed. In Arabic the word is shaykh, "chief" or "wise old man." Women in a royal family, or female scholars of Islam, have traditionally been called shaykhah. Sheik is also spelled sheikh and shaikh.

Example Sentences

The outlet noted that Ferguson has experienced some public hiccups, like the time she was caught promising a News of the World reporter disguised as a sheik access to Andrew in exchange for nearly $700,000.

From Fox News • Jul. 26, 2021

While still a long shot, Scherr and other horse owners could compete for the Derby against millionaires and even a billionaire sheik who spend incredible wealth on horses.

From Washington Times • Sep. 28, 2020

“Everyone was absolutely thrilled,” reports Ray Karch, the tent’s grand sheik.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2018

But Mr Dutton defended his department against accusations that a visa for the sheik should never have been approved.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2016

We should have made it a period ball, not the hotch-potch of humanity it was bound to be, with Giles, poor fellow, well-meaning and hearty in his guise of Arabian sheik.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Related Words

• disparage
• exaggerate
• lampoon
• mimic
• mock
• ridicule
• satirize