sunni
n. countablen. a member of the largest branch of Islam. Most Muslims in the world belong to this group.
n. a member of the branch of Islam that accepts the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad. Often used as a modifier before other nouns.
He is a Sunni and attends the local mosque.
The majority of the population in Egypt is Sunni, following the largest tradition within the Islamic faith.
Scholars often discuss the historical theological developments that distinguish Sunni thought from other branches, particularly regarding the early leadership of the Muslim community.
From Arabic سُنِّيّ (sunniyy), from سُنَّة (sunna, “Sunna”) + ـِيّ (-iyy). By surface analysis, Sunna + -i.
Capitalised in all contexts. Frequently functions as an attributive modifier (e.g., 'Sunni traditions').