Shia

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈshē-(ˌ)ä 

1

: the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of Muhammad and in the concealment and messianic return of the last recognized Imam compare sunni

2

: shiite

3

: the branch of Islam formed by the Shia

Shiʽa

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or Shia or Shiah

ˈshē(ˌ)ä, 

-ēə

plural -s

1

: the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of Muhammad and in the concealment and messianic return of the last recognized Imam compare sunni

2

: shiʽite

3

: the branch of Islam formed by the Shiʽa

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Arabic shīʽa followers, faction, sect

Noun (2)

Arabic shīʽah following, sect

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Shia

• aliya
• aliyah
• althea
• apnoea
• dyspnea
• dyspnoea
• hosea
• idea
• kshatriya
• kyrie
• lutea
• maria

Kids Definition

Shia

noun

variants or Shi'a

ˈshē-(ˌ)ä

plural Shia or Shi'a also Shias or Shi'as

1

: one of the two main branches of Islam

2

: a Muslim who is a member of the Shia branch of Islam : shiite