imam
[ih-mahm]
- the officiating priest of a mosque.
- the title for a Muslim religious leader or chief.
- one of a succession of seven or twelve religious leaders, believed to be divinely inspired, of the Shiʿites.
Show More
Also i·maum [ih-mahm, ih-mawm] /ɪˈmɑm, ɪˈmɔm/.
Origin of imam
First recorded in 1605–15, imam is from the Arabic word imām leader, guide
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for imam
Contemporary Examples
Imam Bheel, as locals call him, was added to a list of worldwide traffickers subject to U.S. sanctions in 2009.
Imam Enchassi also noted that when Noor left the mosque, he had joined a local conservative group that spewed anti-Muslim views.
In Germany, a prominent Muslim imam gave a sermon asking Allah to kill all of the “Zionist Jews.”
Second, Imam Ali raised an issue that few have publicly discussed.
After praying for forgiveness, Fotros was redeemed by the Imam Ali who gave him back his wings.
Historical Examples
The Imam is good, the Imam is holy; who so good and holy as the Imam?
The ScapegoatHall Caine
But Habeebah had remained a Muslim, and she was for calling the Imam.
The ScapegoatHall Caine
During the last few years the Imam has kept the Czar well at bay.
Life of SchamylJohn Milton Mackie
In one tradition He is called 'Imam al ashin,' 'Leader of the wanderers.'
Mystics and Saints of IslamClaud Field
But we have an Imam (leader) who is an infallible judge and needs no proofs.
Mystics and Saints of IslamClaud Field
imam
imaum (ɪˈmɑːm, ɪˈmɔːm)
- a leader of congregational prayer in a mosque
- a caliph, as leader of a Muslim community
- an honorific title applied to eminent doctors of Islam, such as the founders of the orthodox schools
- any of a succession of either seven or twelve religious leaders of the Shiites, regarded by their followers as divinely inspired
Show More
Word Origin
C17: from Arabic: leader, from amma he guided
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for imam
n.
1610s, from Arabic, literally "leader; one who precedes," from amma "to go before, precede."
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper