caliphate

noun

ca·​liph·​ate ˈkā-lə-ˌfāt How to pronounce caliphate (audio)
-fət,
ˈka-
: the office of a caliph or the land he rules over

Examples of caliphate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2014, Islamic State declared a caliphate in large parts of Iraq and Syria and attracted tens of thousands of supporters from around the world. Andrew Wilks, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 These others can boast a ragged caliphate, closets full of Che T-shirts, and an upcoming Mission: Impossible movie, respectively. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 May 2025 After Ali was killed in 661, Muawiya challenged Ali’s son, Hasan, for control of the caliphate. Ismaeel Naar, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 In Germany, Islamist Muslims openly demand the democratic right to formulate a Sharia caliphate within Germany. Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for caliphate

Word History

Etymology

see caliph

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caliphate was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Caliphate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliphate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

caliphate

noun
ca·​liph·​ate ˈkā-lə-ˌfāt How to pronounce caliphate (audio)
-fət;
ˈkal-ə-
: the office or dominion of a caliph

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