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Synonyms

nawab

American  
[nuh-wob, -wawb] / nəˈwɒb, -ˈwɔb /

noun

  1. Also a viceroy or deputy governor under the former Mogul empire in India.

  2. an honorary title conferred upon Muslims of distinction in India and Pakistan.

  3. nabob.


nawab British  
/ nəˈwɑːb /

noun

  1. Also called: nabob. (formerly) a Muslim ruling prince or powerful landowner in India

"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

Etymology

Origin of nawab

1750–60; < Urdu nawwāb < Arabic nuwwāb, plural of nā'ib deputy, viceroy


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The story goes that the mutton galouti kebabs that have defined the city amongst visitors were created to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth.

From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2025

In the popular lexicon, the term black hole once suggested only the legendary hellish cell in Calcutta in which British prisoners were held by an 18th century Indian nawab.

From Time Magazine Archive

On the death of the nawab in 1853 it was determined to put an end to the nominal sovereignty, a liberal establishment being provided for the family.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 3 "Capefigue" to "Carneades" by Various

In 1801 the nawab wazir ceded to the British his lands in this district, with the tribute due from the nawab of Farukhabad, who gave up his sovereign rights in 1802.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2 "Fairbanks, Erastus" to "Fens" by Various

Clive selected it, on account of its commanding position, as the cantonment for the brigade of troops lent him by the nawab of Oudh.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

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