sultan

noun

sul·​tan ˈsəl-tᵊn 

: a king or sovereign especially of a Muslim state

sultanic

ˌsəl-ˈta-nik 

adjective

Examples of sultan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026

The sultan learned about the American colonists’ war for independence indirectly, through the local French consul and European reports. — Scott Spires Britannica Editors June 23, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 June 2026

They were welcomed by Oman’s foreign minister at the airport and are set to meet with Oman’s sultan for discussions. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2026

Putin also met with Brunei’s sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah. — Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Arabic sulṭān

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sultan

noun

sul·​tan ˈsəlt-ᵊn 

: a king or ruler especially of a Muslim state