noun
Uncommon
Sheikh
Sheikh (noun) means Alternative spelling of sheik: a respected Arab leader, elder, or Islamic scholar. Example: “The sheikh addressed the crowd after Friday prayers.”
noun
1
Alternative spelling of sheik: a respected Arab leader, elder, or Islamic scholar.
"The sheikh addressed the crowd after Friday prayers."
How to use Sheikh
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSame meaning as "sheik" — an Arab community leader, tribal elder, or Islamic religious figure.
UK vs US
"Sheikh" is generally the more common spelling internationally, especially in news coverage of the Gulf states.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Sheikhs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ addressed the crowd after Friday prayers.
Etymology
This comes from Arabic شَيْخ (šayḵ, "elder"). Sense 4 ("a romantic lover") comes from the 1921 film The Sheik.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “Sheikh” mean?
The word “Sheikh” means alternative spelling of sheik: a respected Arab leader, elder, or Islamic scholar. In plain terms, same meaning as "sheik" — an Arab community leader, tribal elder, or Islamic religious figure.
How do you use “Sheikh” in a sentence?
Here is “Sheikh” used in a sentence: “The sheikh addressed the crowd after Friday prayers.”
What part of speech is “Sheikh”?
“Sheikh” is a noun.
Is “Sheikh” a common word?
“Sheikh” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "sheikh" and "sultan"?
A sheikh is a respected Arab leader, elder, or Islamic scholar, a title often tied to tribal, religious, or community standing. A sultan, by contrast, is a sovereign ruler with formal political authority over a state or dynasty. Not every sheikh holds political power, whereas a sultan typically does.
Is "sheikh" the same word as "sheik"?
Yes, "sheikh" is an alternative spelling of "sheik," and both refer to a respected Arab leader, elder, or Islamic scholar. The spellings are used interchangeably in English.
Can "sheikh" refer to a religious figure rather than a political leader?
Yes, "sheikh" can describe an Islamic scholar or respected religious elder, not only a tribal or political leader. The exact meaning depends on context, since the title spans community, religious, and leadership roles.
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