sheikh

/ʃik/

Other forms: sheikhs

Sheikh is a formal title for an Arabic man. It's common for tribal chiefs, religious leaders, and royal family members to be addressed as sheikh.

The Arabic source of sheikh is shaykh, which literally means "old man," from a root meaning "to grow old." It's generally used as an honorific, to address a respected elder such as village leaders and family patriarchs. In Islam and Sufism, sheikhs are religious figures or scholars. A woman in a similar position of power or respect is commonly known as a shaykhah.

Definitions of sheikh

1. noun

   the leader of an Arab village or family
   synonyms: Arab chief, sheik, tribal sheik, tribal sheikh

   type of:

   ruler, swayer

   a person who rules or commands