ʿulama

or u·le·ma

[ oo-luh-mah ]

/ ˈu ləˌmɑ /

plural noun Islam.

the doctors of Muslim religion and law.

Nearby words

Origin of ʿulama

First recorded in 1680–90, ʿulama is from the Arabic word ʿulamā learned men

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ulama

“Then say nothing, dear friend,” Ulama interposed, with a merry laugh.
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado|Frank Aubrey
Meantime a document was drawn up in the names of the chief men among the Ulama.
The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 9|Various
Meanwhile, Ulama had given herself up zealously to joining with Leonard in the work he had set himself among the people.
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado|Frank Aubrey
But the king himself was not there; nor was Ulama; and Leonard, when he had assured himself of this, turned his gaze on Coryon.
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado|Frank Aubrey

The following extract is of some interest, as it states why the 'Ulama consider the K'aba so sacred a place.
The Faith of Islam|Edward Sell

British Dictionary definitions for ulama

ulama

ulema

/ (ˈuːlɪmə) /

noun

a body of Muslim scholars or religious leaders

a member of this body

Word Origin for ulama

C17: from Arabic `ulamā scholars, from `alama to know

noun

a Meso-American team ball game, with a history dating back to as early as 1500 bc, played with a solid rubber ball on a long narrow court

Word Origin for ulama

from Nahuatl Ullamalitztli ball game

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