noun
emirate
EM-uh-ruht
Emirate (noun) means a country or territory ruled by an emir. Example: “The small emirate is governed by a hereditary ruler.”
noun
1
A country or territory ruled by an emir.
"The small emirate is governed by a hereditary ruler."
"Each emirate in the federation has its own ruling family."
"Travellers must cross the border of the emirate by road."
2
The position or office of an emir.
"He held the emirate for more than thirty years."
"The emirate passed to his eldest son."
"There was some dispute over who should take the emirate."
How to use emirate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA land ruled by an emir, or the job of being an emir.
When to use it
It is a neutral, standard word found in news and history writing.
Memory tip
Think of emir plus -ate, the same ending that gives words like directorate.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a small emirate
ruler of the emirate
the emirate's capital
an independent emirate
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The small _____ is governed by a hereditary ruler.
Etymology
Emirate comes from the word emir plus the suffix -ate, which forms nouns for a rank or office. It was formed within English.
Synonyms
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emirship
Rhymes for emirate
See all rhymes for emirate →Frequently asked questions
What is an emirate?
An emirate is a country ruled by an emir. The word can also mean the office of an emir.
How do you pronounce emirate?
It is pronounced EM-uh-ruht, with the stress on the first syllable.
What is the difference between an emirate and a sultanate?
An emirate is ruled by an emir, while a sultanate is ruled by a sultan. The two words are treated as coordinate terms.
What is the meaning of emirate?
"emirate" (noun) means a country or territory ruled by an emir.
