caliph

noun

ca·​liph ˈkā-ləf How to pronounce caliph (audio) ˈka-ləf How to pronounce caliph (audio)
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
caliphal
ˈkā-lə-fəl How to pronounce caliph (audio)
ˈka-
adjective

Examples of caliph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
History has shown that the ISIS caliph ends up getting killed by us at some point. — Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026 Yazid was the second Umayyad caliph, which means deputy of God, and the ruler of the early Islamic empire. — Eric Lob, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026 Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan is viewed as a key opponent of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph and a central figure in Shiite Islam. — Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Hussein’s killing is seen as having cemented the schism between Sunnis and Shiites, which stems from the early days of Islam and arguments over Muhammad’s successors as caliph, or leader. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for caliph

Word History

Etymology

Middle English caliphe, from Middle French calife, from Arabic khalīfa successor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caliph was in the 14th century

Rhymes for caliph

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Browse Nearby Words

caliper square
caliph
caliphal
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Cite this Entry

“Caliph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliph. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

caliph

noun
ca·​liph
variants also calif
ˈkā-ləf How to pronounce caliph (audio) ˈkal-əf How to pronounce caliph (audio)
: an important Muslim political and religious leader
—used as a title

More from Merriam-Webster on caliph

Nglish: Translation of caliph for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caliph

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