caliphate

noun

ca·​liph·​ate ˈkā-lə-ˌfāt How to pronounce caliphate (audio)
-fət, 
ˈka-
: the office of a caliph or the land he rules over

Examples of caliphate 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.
But it soon became known around the world as an armed group bent on establishing a caliphate governed by Sharia law. — Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026 But their basic goals — the establishment of a caliphate and the strict implementation of sharia law — have been constant. — Obi Anyadike, semafor.com, 23 Mar. 2026 The Shiites wanted the caliphate to descend through Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law and Hussein’s father. — ABC News, 25 June 2026 With the collapse of the ISIS caliphate in Syria late last decade, the epicenter of global terrorism has shifted south and west. — Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for caliphate

Word History

Etymology

see caliph

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caliphate was in 1594

Rhymes for caliphate

See All Rhymes for caliphate

Browse Nearby Words

caliphal
caliphate
Calippus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

caliphate

noun
ca·​liph·​ate ˈkā-lə-ˌfāt How to pronounce caliphate (audio)
-fət;
ˈkal-ə-
: the office or dominion of a caliph

More from Merriam-Webster on caliphate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caliphate

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