emir

American  

[uh-meer, ey-meer, ey-meer] / əˈmɪər, eɪˈmɪər, ˈeɪ mɪər /

Also ameer, or amir

noun

• emirs
  plural

1. a chieftain, prince, commander, or head of state in some Islamic countries.

2. a title of honor of the descendants of Muhammad.

3. (initial capital letter) the former title of the ruler of Afghanistan.

4. a title of certain Turkish officials.

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emir British  

/ ɛˈmɪə /

noun

1. an independent ruler or chieftain

2. a military commander or governor

3. a descendant of Mohammed

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• emirs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of emir

First recorded in 1625–35; from Arabic ʾamīr “commander, prince,” from ʾamara “to command, order”

Explanation

An emir is a ruler or commander, especially in Africa or Arabia. Emir comes from an Arabic word for "commander." An emir is a chieftain or independent ruler who has power over a province or tribe. An emir might be a prince or just a military commander. You will only hear about emirs in places where the Arabic language has an influence.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

emir emirs

On his walls, portraits of Kuwait's emir and crown prince hang alongside a plaque reading: "There is no place like the homeland, and no homeland like Kuwait."

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

The line that set off the frenzy, in its entirety, is: “He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar.”

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

Even the entreaties of Islamic scholars and officials of Islamic countries the world over have not bent the iron will of the emir and his enforcers, especially on the most sensitive issue of education.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Two years ago, when Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash, Qatar sent its emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Kuwait all sent their foreign ministers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

It’s so hot there that swimming pools boil, so one emir built himself an indoor ski resort.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

At one point under its new leader, Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram controlled large swathes of territory in Nigeria's north-east - and appointed "emirs" to administer some areas.

From BBC ● Nov. 27, 2025

Qatar’s initial development can be attributed to the two most recent emirs of the ruling monarchy, analysts say.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 10, 2022

Starting in the 18th century, Gulf emirs came under the protection of the British Empire, which brokered truces between loosely organized tribes.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 14, 2022

Though those groups’ so-called emirs, or commanders, pledged fealty to Zawahiri, it was unclear how much tactical or strategic input he had on their operations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2022

It’s actually made of seven emirates, which are like states, but more like principalities, because they’re owned by seven princes called emirs.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri