Islam

noun

Is·​lam is-ˈläm 

iz-,

-ˈlam 

ˈis-ˌläm,

ˈiz-,

-ˌlam

1

: the religious faith of Muslims including belief in Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet

2

a

: the civilization erected upon Islamic faith

b

: the group of modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion

Islamic

is-ˈlä-mik 

iz-

-ˈla-

adjective

Islamics

is-ˈlä-miks 

iz-

-ˈla-

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Examples of Islam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Black community’s problems required not integration but separation, under Nation of Islam teachings. —Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 1 Dec. 2024

Introduction of the Bible into the classroom is complicated by the diverse range of religions in public schools including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and others, along with 20% of U.S. families who are religiously unaffiliated. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 30 Nov. 2024

Gorka, born in Britain to Hungarian parents, is known for characterizing Islam as a threat to Western civilization. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

The Australian visa denial came after Owens made past remarks that minimized the Holocaust and made controversial claims about Islam and slavery, causing officials to object to those remarks. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Arabic islām submission (to the will of God)

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Islam

noun

Is·​lam is-ˈläm  iz- 

-ˈlam;

ˈis-ˌläm,

ˈiz-ˌläm,

-ˌlam

1

: a religion marked by belief in Allah as the sole deity, in Muhammad as his prophet, and in the Koran

2

a

: the civilization erected upon Islamic faith

b

: the modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion

Islamic

is-ˈläm-ik 

iz-

-ˈlam-

adjective