sherif

[ she-reef ]

noun

1. a governor of Mecca descended from Muhammad.
2. an Arab chief, prince, or ruler.

sherif

/ ʃɛˈriːf /

noun

1. a descendant of Mohammed through his daughter Fatima
2. (formerly) the governor of Mecca
3. an honorific title accorded to any Muslim ruler

Word History and Origins

Origin of sherif¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, sherif is from the Arabic word sharīf “exalted (person)”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sherif¹

C16: from Arabic sharīf noble

Example Sentences

“This country is as divided as it has ever been,” said Sherif Taher.

From The Daily Beast

On the night of Feb. 11, 2011, Sherif Mansour walked onto his balcony, furtively lit a cigarette, and began to cry.

From The Daily Beast

I made an excursion also with my host to the Mezari Sherif ('the noble grave').

From Project Gutenberg

The town itself covers an area of more than 209 acres, of which thirty-five are occupied by the Haram-esh-Sherif.

From Project Gutenberg

Ali Sherif was in reality the last Khalifa, for a fourth was never appointed.

From Project Gutenberg

The Khalifa Sherif and the Ashraf were furious at being out of power, and they could not long conceal their discontent.

From Project Gutenberg

Sherif Mahmud was a small thin man about fifty years of age, full of wiry strength and with evil, malignant-looking eyes.

From Project Gutenberg