noun
caliph
KAY-lihf
Caliph (noun) means a Muslim ruler regarded as a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Example: “The caliph governed a territory stretching across much of the Middle East.”
noun
1
A Muslim ruler regarded as a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
"The caliph governed a territory stretching across much of the Middle East."
How to use caliph
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical Islamic ruler who claimed to lead the Muslim community as Muhammad's successor.
Common pairings
the caliph's court
appointed caliph
reign of the caliph
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Word forms
- Plural
- caliphs
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The _____ governed a territory stretching across much of the Middle East.
Etymology
From Arabic khalīfa ("successor"), via Old French caliphe and Medieval Latin calipha.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “caliph” mean?
The word “caliph” means a Muslim ruler regarded as a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad. In plain terms, a historical Islamic ruler who claimed to lead the Muslim community as Muhammad's successor.
How do you pronounce “caliph”?
“Caliph” is pronounced KAY-lihf (/ˈkeɪlɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “caliph” in a sentence?
Here is “caliph” used in a sentence: “The caliph governed a territory stretching across much of the Middle East.”
What part of speech is “caliph”?
“Caliph” is a noun.
Where does the word “caliph” come from?
The word “caliph” comes from Medieval Latin. From Arabic khalīfa ("successor"), via Old French caliphe and Medieval Latin calipha.
