# sheikh

/ˈʃik/ (US) · /ʃˈeɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sheikh
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a leader or ruler

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a religious scholar

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The sheikh welcomed the visitors to his home.
- The local sheikh mediated the dispute between the two families to ensure peace in the village.
- As the head of the council, the sheikh exercised significant influence over both the economic development and the traditional legal rulings of the entire region.

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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.