English Reference

Word

sheikh

US/ˈʃik/

UK/ʃˈeɪk/

US spelling · sheik

Definitions

01a leader or ruler

B2

n. a title for a leader of an Arab tribe or a member of a royal family in some Middle Eastern countries.

n. a title of respect for a male leader of an Arab tribe or family, or a high-ranking official in certain Gulf states.

“The local sheikh met with the visitors to discuss the new water project for the village.”

“The sheikh exercised considerable influence over the regional council, balancing traditional tribal interests with the demands of modern urban development.”

Synonyms

02a religious scholar

C1 · Religion

n. a title for a man who is highly respected for his deep knowledge of Islam.

n. an honorific used for a man respected for his piety or his mastery of Islamic theology and jurisprudence.

“Many students traveled across the country to hear the sheikh speak at the university.”

“As a prominent sheikh, he was frequently consulted on complex matters of religious law and ethical conduct within the community.”

Formal

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani will arrive in Tehran on Thursday, where he will meet Iranian officials.”
Al Jazeera · 27 Aug 2026
“Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is due to visit Tehran on Thursday for talks on de-escalating tensions and reviving dialogue between Iran and the United States.”
Al Jazeera · 27 Aug 2026
“Sheikh Mansour is a hero to the City faithful for a glittering period of ownership that has elevated their team to a domestic and continental superpower.”
The Guardian · 18 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference