ayatollah

[ah-yuh-toh-luh]

noun

1. (among Shiʿites) a title in the religious hierarchy achieved by scholars who have demonstrated highly advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion.

ayatollah

/ ˌaɪəˈtɒlə /

noun

1. one of a class of Iranian Shiite religious leaders

Word History and Origins

Origin of ayatollah¹

1975–80; < Persian < Arabic āyat allāh sign of God; Allah

Word History and Origins

Origin of ayatollah¹

via Persian from Arabic, from aya sign + Allah god

Example Sentences

All parties in the conflict have claimed victory, with the ayatollah telling Iranians that Israel and Iran had failed to disrupt the country's nuclear programme.

From BBC

And while the Israelis have made considerable efforts toward degrading Iran's military capabilities, the ayatollah still has weapons at his disposal.

From BBC

"We control the skies over Tehran. We are striking with tremendous force at the regime of the ayatollahs. We are hitting the nuclear sites, the missiles, the headquarters, the symbols of the regime," he said.

From BBC

On Tuesday, he demanded Iran's surrender and issued veiled threats to the ayatollah.

From Salon

On Saturday, he warned his country will strike "every site and every target of the ayatollah regime".

From BBC