noun
caliph
KAY-lihf
noun
1
A Muslim ruler regarded as a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad.
"The caliph governed a territory stretching across much of the Middle East."
How to Use Caliph
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical Islamic ruler who claimed to lead the Muslim community as Muhammad's successor.
Common pairings
the caliph's court
appointed caliph
reign of the caliph
Word Forms
caliphs plural
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The _____ governed a territory stretching across much of the Middle East.
Etymology
From Arabic khalīfa ("successor"), via Old French caliphe and Medieval Latin calipha.