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Definition of caliphate

caliphate

/ˈkæl.ɪ.feɪt/
cal · i · phate
Plural:caliphates
•
Adjective:caliphal
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caliphate Lexical Profile

caliphate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An Islamic state, empire, or territorial dominion under the leadership of an Islamic steward known as a caliph.

Example

"During the medieval era, the Abbasid caliphate became a major center for science, philosophy, and literature."

2

The office, rank, jurisdiction, or reign of a caliph.

Example

"Historians have written extensively about the political administration and legal traditions of the early caliphate."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for caliphate

• Nearby Words

california sea lion
caliper
caliph
caliphate
calisthenic
calisthenics
call

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from 'caliph' (from Arabic 'khalīfa', meaning 'successor' or 'steward', derived from 'khalafa', 'to succeed') combined with the English suffix '-ate', denoting an office or dominion.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Caliphate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/caliphate
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