noun
Uncommon
sultan
SUHL-tuhn
Sultan (noun) means a ruler of a Muslim state or empire, especially historically in places like the Ottoman Empire or Brunei. Example: “The sultan's palace overlooked the harbour.”
noun
1
A ruler of a Muslim state or empire, especially historically in places like the Ottoman Empire or Brunei.
"The sultan's palace overlooked the harbour."
"Brunei is still ruled today by a sultan."
"In the story, the sultan invited every cook in the land to his feast."
How to use sultan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA monarch or ruler of certain Muslim countries or historical empires.
Common pairings
the sultan of Brunei
the sultan's palace
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Word forms
- Plural
- sultans, salateen
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____'s palace overlooked the harbour.
Etymology
From Arabic sultan, meaning "strength" or "authority," borrowed into English via Ottoman Turkish and Medieval Latin.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “sultan” mean?
The word “sultan” means a ruler of a Muslim state or empire, especially historically in places like the Ottoman Empire or Brunei. In plain terms, a monarch or ruler of certain Muslim countries or historical empires.
How do you pronounce “sultan”?
“Sultan” is pronounced SUHL-tuhn (/ˈsʌltən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sultan” in a sentence?
Here is “sultan” used in a sentence: “The sultan's palace overlooked the harbour.”
What part of speech is “sultan”?
“Sultan” is a noun.
Where does the word “sultan” come from?
The word “sultan” comes from Medieval Latin. From Arabic sultan, meaning "strength" or "authority," borrowed into English via Ottoman Turkish and Medieval Latin.
Is “sultan” a common word?
“Sultan” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "sultan" and a "king"?
Both are hereditary monarchs, but "sultan" specifically refers to rulers of Muslim states or empires, historically including the Ottoman Empire and, today, Brunei, while "king" is a broader term used across many cultures and religions.
What is the difference between a "sultan" and a "caliph"?
A sultan is primarily a political and military ruler of a state, while a caliph traditionally held both political and religious authority as the recognized leader of the wider Muslim community.
Are there sultans ruling today?
Yes, the title remains in active use, most notably for the ruler of Brunei, who holds the official title of Sultan.
