Mahdi

American  

[mah-dee] / ˈmɑ di /

noun

Mahdis plural

1. the Muslim messiah, an expected spiritual and temporal ruler destined to establish a reign of righteousness throughout the world.

2. any of various claimants to this role, especially Muhammad Ahmed, who established an independent government in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan that lasted until 1898.

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Mahdi British  

/ ˈmɑːdɪ /

noun

1. the title assumed by Mohammed Ahmed. ?1843–85, Sudanese military leader, who led a revolt against Egypt (1881) and captured Khartoum (1885)

2. Islam any of a number of Muslim messiahs expected to convert all mankind to Islam

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Mahdist
  noun
• Mahdism
  noun

Inflected Forms

noun

• Mahdis
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Mahdi

First recorded in 1790–1800, Mahdi is from the Arabic word mahdīy he who is guided

Example Sentences

"If the semiconductor industry wants to succeed with 2D materials, the active layer and the insulating layer must be designed together from the very beginning," emphasizes Mahdi Pourfath.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

“Living is not affordable anymore,” said Mahdi Ghodsi of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Mogadishu police chief Moalim Mahdi told reporters that "we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people" and urged "patience for each other as you cast your vote".

From Barron's • Dec. 25, 2025

Mr Durma's ancestors were related to the Mahdi, a 19th Century leader who created the foundations of the Sudanese state and an influential religious movement.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

With that, the Mahdi walks past my grandmother, through the lobby and double doors, and out of our lives.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides