sayyid

American  

[sah-yid, sey-id] / ˈsɑ yɪd, ˈseɪ ɪd /

Also sayed,

noun

1. (in Islamic countries) a supposed descendant of Muhammad through his grandson Hussein, the second son of his daughter Fatima.

2. a title of respect, especially for royal personages.

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sayyid British  

/ ˈsaɪɪd /

noun

1. a Muslim claiming descent from Mohammed's grandson Husain

2. a Muslim honorary title

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Etymology

Origin of sayyid

1780–90; < Arabic: lord

Example Sentences

He studied in a seminary in Qom after his service with the Revolutionary Guard and wears the black turban of a sayyid, indicating that he traces his lineage to the prophet Muhammad.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Sadr wears the black turban of a sayyid - someone recognised as a descendent of the Prophet Mohammad.

From Reuters • Jul. 20, 2023

In the same way tuan, sir, master, is employed in addressing a haji or sayyid; tuan-ku or tunku, my lord, in addressing a raja; datoh, grandfather, in addressing a chief or penghulu.

From A Manual of the Malay language With an Introductory Sketch of the Sanskrit Element in Malay by Maxwell, William Edward, Sir