caliph

noun

ca·​liph ˈkā-ləf How to pronounce caliph (audio)
ˈka-ləf
variants or less commonly calif
: a successor of Muhammad as temporal (see temporal entry 1 sense 1c) and spiritual head of Islam
used as a title
caliphal adjective

Examples of caliph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Its territorial expansion led jihadi groups in more than ten countries to pledge allegiance to the new caliph. Nelly Lahoud, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2021 In addition to their roles as calligraphers, Aisha’s family also safeguards a legendary and dangerous book belonging to the caliph. Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 May 2024 By the mid-tenth century, the caliph reigned only in name with local warlords, predominantly Turkic, holding most of the power. Mohammed Ayoob, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2016 The persistence of some sort of Ottoman caliph would have had more immediate implications for modern Turkey. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for caliph 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caliph.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English caliphe, from Middle French calife, from Arabic khalīfa successor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caliph was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near caliph

Cite this Entry

“Caliph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliph. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

caliph

noun
ca·​liph
variants also calif
: an important Muslim political and religious leader
used as a title

More from Merriam-Webster on caliph

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