Baha'i

noun

Ba·​ha'i bä-ˈhä-ˌē How to pronounce Baha'i (audio)
-ˈhī,
bə-
plural Baha'is
: an adherent of a religious movement originating in Iran in the 19th century and emphasizing the spiritual unity of humankind
Baha'i adjective
Bahaism
bä-ˈhä-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce Baha'i (audio)
-ˈhī-ˌi-
noun
Bahaist noun or adjective

Examples of Baha'i in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Gossip Girl alum deepened his Baha'i faith after the CW show ended in 2012. Jacklyn Krol, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 During the fourth 25-minute segment, students were taught about Buddhism, Unitarian Universalism and the Baha'i Faith. Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Baha'i.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Persian bahā'ī, literally, follower of Bahā' Allāh (from Arabic, splendor of God)

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Baha'i was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near Baha'i

Cite this Entry

“Baha'i.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Baha%27i. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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