Islam

noun

Is·​lam is-ˈläm How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-,
-ˈlam How to pronounce Islam (audio)
ˈis-ˌläm,
ˈiz-,
-ˌlam
1
: the religious faith of Muslims including belief in Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet
2
a
: the civilization erected upon Islamic faith
b
: the group of modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion
Islamic
is-ˈlä-mik How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-
-ˈla-
adjective
Islamics
is-ˈlä-miks How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-
-ˈla-
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Examples of Islam 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.
The sacred texts are mainly Christian, but sometimes come from other faiths, including Islam. Sarah Hurtes, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024 The former also allocates much larger weightings for its biggest names than the latter, according to Islam. Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024 The fight occurred four months after Islam Makhachev handed Volkanovski the first knockout loss of his UFC career. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Christmas meant something even for the Muslims waiting here, since Christ is revered in Islam. John Carlisle, Detroit Free Press, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Islam 

Word History

Etymology

Arabic islām submission (to the will of God)

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Islam was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near Islam

Cite this Entry

“Islam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Islam. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

Islam

noun
Is·​lam is-ˈläm How to pronounce Islam (audio) iz- How to pronounce Islam (audio)
-ˈlam;
ˈis-ˌläm,
ˈiz-ˌläm,
-ˌlam
1
: a religion marked by belief in Allah as the sole deity, in Muhammad as his prophet, and in the Koran
2
a
: the civilization erected upon Islamic faith
b
: the modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion
Islamic
is-ˈläm-ik How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-
-ˈlam-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Islam

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