noun
sultanate
SUL-tuh-nit
Sultanate (noun) means a state, usually Muslim, whose ruler holds the title of sultan. Example: “Oman is a sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula.”
noun
1
A state, usually Muslim, whose ruler holds the title of sultan.
"Oman is a sultanate on the Arabian Peninsula."
"The historian wrote about the Delhi Sultanate."
"Several sultanates once ruled parts of the region."
2
The office or position of a sultan.
"He inherited the sultanate on his father's death."
"Rival brothers fought over the sultanate."
How to use sultanate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA country or territory ruled by a sultan, or the position of sultan itself.
When to use it
It is a fairly formal word, used mainly in history and politics.
Memory tip
The ending is heard both as -nit and as -nayt (rhyming with 'gate'), so either is fine.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the Sultanate of Oman
the Delhi Sultanate
the Mamluk Sultanate
rule the sultanate
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Oman is a _____ on the Arabian Peninsula.
Etymology
Formed from sultan plus the suffix -ate, which forms nouns for offices, ranks or the areas they cover. Sultan was borrowed from Middle French or Medieval Latin, and comes from Arabic sulṭān, meaning authority or rule.
Synonyms
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sultanship
Rhymes for sultanate
See all rhymes for sultanate →Frequently asked questions
What is a sultanate?
A sultanate is a state, usually Muslim, ruled by a sultan. The word can also mean the office of sultan.
What is the difference between a sultanate and an emirate?
Both are states ruled by a Muslim leader, but the ruler of a sultanate is called a sultan and the ruler of an emirate an emir.
How do you pronounce sultanate?
Both are heard: SUL-tuh-nit and SUL-tuh-nayt (the ending rhyming with 'gate').
What is the meaning of sultanate?
"sultanate" (noun) means a state, usually Muslim, whose ruler holds the title of sultan.
