sheikh
Britishnoun
Etymology
Origin of sheikh
C16: from Arabic shaykh old man
Explanation
Sheikh is a formal title for an Arabic man. It's common for tribal chiefs, religious leaders, and royal family members to be addressed as sheikh. The Arabic source of sheikh is shaykh, which literally means "old man," from a root meaning "to grow old." It's generally used as an honorific, to address a respected elder such as village leaders and family patriarchs. In Islam and Sufism, sheikhs are religious figures or scholars. A woman in a similar position of power or respect is commonly known as a shaykhah.
Vocabulary lists containing sheikh
Chapter 14: Islamic Civilization
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When the Emperor Was Divine
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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.
She's been embroiled for years in a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term in office ended on 15 May but was extended by a year.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani plans to speak to Vance about "US-Qatar relations and the situation in Iran, with a focus on LNG markets and regional stability", the source said on condition of anonymity.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said military activity in the region beginning on Feb. 28 posed “significant challenges” to the group.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Everyone generally acknowledged that Sheikh Eraif was doing fine.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
