# caliph

/ˈkæɫəf/ (US) · /kˈælɪf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/caliph
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. historical/religious leader

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a title for a leader of the Muslim community who was seen as a successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

For teachers: the title of the civil and religious head of a Muslim state, traditionally considered a successor to the Prophet Muhammad.

- The caliph ruled over a large empire that stretched across many modern countries.
- Historians often debate the extent of the caliph's political authority compared to his religious influence during the Abbasid period.

Usage: Often capitalized as 'Caliph' when used as a specific title before a name.

Teaching tip: This is primarily a historical and political term; students will encounter it most often in history books or news regarding Islamic governance.

## Examples

- The caliph ruled over a vast empire that stretched across three continents.
- Historians often study the caliphate to understand how Islamic law and governance evolved during the medieval period.
- The decline of the caliphate marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the Middle East, leading to the rise of various regional dynasties and the eventual fragmentation of the empire.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.