Sunni

noun

Sun·​ni ˈsu̇(n)-(ˌ)nē 

1

: the Muslims of the branch of Islam that adheres to the orthodox tradition and acknowledges the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad compare shia

2

: a Sunni Muslim

Sunni adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The region where the attack took place is known for conflict between Sunni and Shia sects of Islam. —Sophia Saifi, CNN, 4 May 2023

He was born in the provincial town of Tunceli, which is mostly populated by Alevis, members of a Muslim minority that has historically been discriminated against by Turkey’s Sunni Muslim majority. —Ahmet T. Kuru, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2023

Saudi Arabia and Iran, the leading Sunni and Shi’ite powers in the Middle East, ended peaceful relations in 2016 after the execution of a Shi’ite cleric, followed by disagreements resulting from the Yemen war. —Peter Aitken, Fox News, 6 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Arabic sunnī, from sunna

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Sunni

noun

Sun·​ni ˈsu̇n-(n)ē 

plural Sunnis or Sunni

1

: one of the two main branches of Islam

2

: a Muslim who is a member of the Sunni branch of Islam