Sunni
Sunni (adj) means belonging to the largest branch of Islam, which follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the recorded practices of the Prophet Muhammad). Example: “Most Muslims in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are Sunni.”
How to use Sunni
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe larger of Islam's two main branches, alongside Shia Islam.
Always capitalised, as it names a specific religious group.
Word forms
more Sunni comparative, Sunnis plural, most Sunni superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Most Muslims in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are _____.
Etymology
From Arabic sunniyy, from sunna ("tradition, custom") — those who follow the Sunnah, the traditions attributed to the Prophet.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Sunni” mean?
The word “Sunni” means belonging to the largest branch of Islam, which follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the recorded practices of the Prophet Muhammad). In plain terms, the larger of Islam's two main branches, alongside Shia Islam.
How do you pronounce “Sunni”?
“Sunni” is pronounced SUU-nee (/ˈsʊni/ in IPA).
How do you use “Sunni” in a sentence?
Here is “Sunni” used in a sentence: “Most Muslims in Egypt and Saudi Arabia are Sunni.”
What part of speech is “Sunni”?
Depending on how it is used, “Sunni” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “Sunni” come from?
The word “Sunni” comes from Arabic. From Arabic sunniyy, from sunna ("tradition, custom") — those who follow the Sunnah, the traditions attributed to the Prophet.
Is “Sunni” a common word?
“Sunni” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Sunni” have?
“Sunni” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to the largest branch of Islam, which follows the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the recorded practices of the Prophet Muhammad).
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