emir

noun

i-ˈmir How to pronounce emir (audio)
ā-
variants or or less commonly ameer
: a ruler, chief, or commander in Islamic countries

Examples of emir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Building on the site commenced in the 13th century under the instruction of Ibn al-Ahmar, the first member of the Nasrid family to be emir of Granada, and the sprawling compound was used by the emirs until Isabella and Ferdinand conquered the city in 1492. Fiona Mozley, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025 Secretary of State Marco Rubio and emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha today. Nbc News, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025 The president also spoke to the emir and prime minister of Qatar and thanked them for their support and friendship to our country. Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025 It is anticipated that Trump will sit with Infantino, senior officials from PSG and Chelsea, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, whom the president met in Doha in May. Elias Burke, New York Times, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for emir

Word History

Etymology

Arabic amīr commander

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emir was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emir.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emir. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

emir

noun
: a ruler, chief, or commander in Islamic countries
Etymology

from Arabic amīr "commander"

More from Merriam-Webster on emir

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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