variants
or less commonly calif
: a successor of Muhammad as temporal (see temporal entry 1 sense 1c) and spiritual head of Islam
—used as a title
Examples of caliph in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its territorial expansion led jihadi groups in more than ten countries to pledge allegiance to the new caliph.
—
Nelly Lahoud, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2021
In addition to their roles as calligraphers, Aisha’s family also safeguards a legendary and dangerous book belonging to the caliph.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 May 2024
By the mid-tenth century, the caliph reigned only in name with local warlords, predominantly Turkic, holding most of the power.
—Mohammed Ayoob, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2016
The persistence of some sort of Ottoman caliph would have had more immediate implications for modern Turkey.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024
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Nelly Lahoud, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2021
In addition to their roles as calligraphers, Aisha’s family also safeguards a legendary and dangerous book belonging to the caliph.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 17 May 2024
By the mid-tenth century, the caliph reigned only in name with local warlords, predominantly Turkic, holding most of the power.
—Mohammed Ayoob, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2016
The persistence of some sort of Ottoman caliph would have had more immediate implications for modern Turkey.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for caliph
Dictionary Entries Near caliph
Cite this Entry
“Caliph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliph. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
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