dervish

noun

der·​vish ˈdər-vish 

1

: a member of a Muslim religious order noted for devotional exercises (such as bodily movements leading to a trance)

2

: one that whirls or dances with or as if with the abandonment of a dervish

Examples of dervish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Back on electric guitar, Beck spun a whirling dervish in front of Outwater, spitting in rapid fire fashion later. —Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Mark Harmon also returns as Ryan, Tess’ husband, ever steadfast and supportive of her whirling dervish personality. —Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Chelsea has Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, a combative duo adept at breaking up the rhythm and flow of an opposition’s midfielders — but there are only two of them against PSG’s whirling dervish of a midfield. —Joe Prince-Wright, NBC news, 12 July 2025

Known for its whirling dervishes made famous by the Persian poet Rumi, this form of dance leads to a trancelike state. —Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Turkish derviş, literally, beggar, from Persian darvīsh

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dervish

noun

der·​vish ˈdər-vish 

: a member of a Muslim religious group noted for its customs (as bodily movements leading to a trance)