vizier

American  

[vi-zeer, viz-yer] / vɪˈzɪər, ˈvɪz yər /

Or vizir

noun

1. (formerly) a high official in certain Muslim countries and caliphates, especially a minister of state.

---

vizier British  

/ vɪˈzɪə /

noun

1. a high official in certain Muslim countries, esp in the former Ottoman Empire. Viziers served in various capacities, such as that of provincial governor or chief minister to the sultan

---

Other Word Forms

• vizierate noun
• vizierial adjective
• viziership noun

Etymology

Origin of vizier

1555–65; < Turkish vezīr < Arabic wazīr

Example Sentences

Abu'l Fazl, the grand vizier of the 16th Century Mughal emperor Akbar, mentions mutanjan in his writings, among dishes served at the royal table.

From BBC • Aug. 12, 2023

Is it possible that Scheherazade and the vizier had hatched a secret plan?

From New York Times • May 24, 2021

But Europeans quickly transformed the "shah" to a king, the "vizier" to the queen, the "elephants" to bishops, the "horses" to knights, the "chariots" to castles and the "foot soldiers" to pawns.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2020

Pharaoh is impressed, and Joseph is named vizier to oversee the stockpiling.

From Slate • Aug. 18, 2020

Behind me sat my three companions, while behind the vizier sat four or five of his high men, all lesser indunas and leaders of warriors.

From Adventures in Swaziland The Story of a South African Boer by O'Neil, Owen Rowe