Shiʽism

noun

Shiʽ·​ism
variants or Shiism
plural -s
: the religious system or distinctive tenets of the Shiʽa

Word History

Etymology

shiʽa + -ism

First Known Use

circa 1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Shiʽism was circa 1883

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Shiʽism

Cite this Entry

“Shiʽism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shi%CA%BDism. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!