noun
- plural of caliph; supreme rulers of the Muslim community, considered successors to Muhammad
Usage: historical; religious
Examples
- The early caliphs expanded the Islamic empire rapidly.
- Four caliphs succeeded Muhammad in leading the Muslim community.
- The Abbasid caliphs ruled from Baghdad for centuries.
- Medieval caliphs were both political and religious leaders.
- The last Ottoman caliphs held the title until 1924.
- Historians study the achievements of various caliphs throughout Islamic history.