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sheikh

sheikh

68 7.0
A respected man who leads an Arab family, village, or tribe
  • noun
  • /ʃeɪk/
translation icon : jeque
  • In the Bedouin tradition, the sheikh is an arbiter, a settler of disputes.
  • ruling sheikhs

In the Bedouin tradition, the Sheikh is an arbiter, a settler of disputes.

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Examples

  • Today, the school is directed and financed by Sheikh El Tab, the great-great-grandson of the founder.

    Academic text (2008)
  • All welcome him with applause, and all the sheikhs greet him with a handshake or a nose touch.

    Academic text (2000)
  • So the client's an oil sheikh, no less.

  • - No, Sheikh Amar, listen to me!

  • Uh, the sheikh bids five million.

  • I made a sheikh in Abu Dhabi an offer he could not refuse.

  • Later, they will serve the sheikhs and other dignitaries in the royal box.

    Academic text (2000)
  • In the Bedouin tradition, the Sheikh is an arbiter, a settler of disputes.

  • Today, the school is directed and financed by Sheikh El Tab, the great-great-grandson of the founder.

  • I will arrange an appointment with the sheikh in Karachi for you on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Synonyms

sheik
vssheikh
54 7.5

A respected older person who leads an Arab tribe or village

is the same meaning but a different spelling variant
emir
vssheikh
37 8.1

A Muslim ruler in parts of Africa or Arabia

is the local respected elder leader rather than a higher political ruler
patriarch
vssheikh
20 6.7

A man who leads a family or group with authority

is used for leaders specifically in Arab village, family, or tribe settings
amir
vssheikh
11 9.2

A local ruler or chief in parts of Africa and Arabia

is the local village or family leader respected for age rather than regional ruler
hakim
vssheikh
4 9.9

A Muslim leader who rules or judges people using Islamic law

is the local respected leader focused on age and authority, not judicial power
shaikh
vssheikh
  • Indian
1 9.1

A respected Muslim religious teacher and community leader

is the local family or tribal leader respected for age rather than religious scholarship
tribal sheik
vssheikh
1 8.5

A respected elder who leads a tribe or village

is the general leader respected for age across village, family, or tribe
shaykh
vssheikh
1 8.9

A tribal leader who makes decisions and cares for a clan or community

is the village family or tribe leader respected for age rather than title
tribal sheikh
vssheikh
1 8.7

A person who leads an Arab family group or village and makes important community decisions

emphasizes respect for age and social authority rather than explicit political power
mukhtar
vssheikh
1 9.9

A person elected to lead a village or small community

is chosen by age and authority rather than by election in some communities
Arab chief
vssheikh
6.7

A person who leads an Arab village, tribe, or family and has power in the community

is specifically respected for age and authority within family, tribe, or village

Compounds

A person who leads an Arab family group or village and makes important community decisions

How Powerful

king
1.0
ruler
153 2.1
chief
1.9
sheikh
68 7.0
leader
1.0

Surface Forms

sheikh singular
sheikhs plural

Etymology

Sheikh comes from the Arabic shaykh, which means 'old man' or 'elder'. Because elders often led their families and tribes, a sheikh came to mean a respected leader or head, much like the English word chief.