jinni

noun

jin·ni | \ ˈjē-nē

, ˈji-, jə-ˈnē

variants: or jinn \ ˈjin

\ or less commonly djinni \ ˈjē-nē

, ˈji- , jə-ˈnē \ or djinn \ ˈjin

plural jinn or jinns also djinn or djinns

Definition of jinni

1 : one of a class of spirits that according to Muslim demonology inhabit the earth, assume various forms, and exercise supernatural power

2 : genie sense 2

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about jinni

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Did You Know?

Is that jinni or jinn? Djinni or djinn? Adopted from an Arabic word for demon (usually represented in our alphabet as jinnī), this word is spelled a variety of ways in English-including genie, a spelling that comes from the same Arabic word but by way of French. All of those variant spellings are used to describe a supernatural spirit from Arabic mythology that is made of fire or air and can assume human or animal form. Mythology holds that jinn (that's the plural of jinni) love to punish humans for any harm done to them and that they are the cause of many accidents and diseases.

Examples of jinni in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Next to me was Said Suleiman Mohammed, herbalist and jinni hunter. — Justin Fornal, National Geographic, "In Zanzibar, a Traditional Herbalist Exorcises Evil Spirits," 29 Jan. 2016 Although they are believed to exist in an endless variety of manifestations, negative and positive, jinn are most commonly thought to invade the homes and bodies of humans to cause distress. — Justin Fornal, National Geographic, "In Zanzibar, a Traditional Herbalist Exorcises Evil Spirits," 29 Jan. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jinni.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.