: a king or sovereign especially of a Muslim state
Examples of sultan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The painting, which depicts a bejeweled sultan, the 38cm x 29cm piece was still shrouded in mystery, prompting the new owner to get an expert opinion.
—
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Sultanate: Supreme power rests in the hands of a sultan.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Some modern commentators suggest that the circles represent the triple role of Ottoman sultans as chieftain, warrior and emperor.
—Dorothy Armstrong
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
The Turkish president appears to see himself as a modern-day sultan, the rightful heir to Sunni leadership.
—Colin P. Clarke, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for sultan
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
Sultanate: Supreme power rests in the hands of a sultan.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Some modern commentators suggest that the circles represent the triple role of Ottoman sultans as chieftain, warrior and emperor.
—Dorothy Armstrong
june 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
The Turkish president appears to see himself as a modern-day sultan, the rightful heir to Sunni leadership.
—Colin P. Clarke, Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for sultan
Cite this Entry
“Sultan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sultan. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sultan
noun
sul·tan
ˈsəlt-ᵊn 
: a king or ruler especially of a Muslim state
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share