begum

noun

be·​gum ˈbā-gəm How to pronounce begum (audio) ˈbē- How to pronounce begum (audio)
: a Muslim woman of high rank (as in India or Pakistan)

Examples of begum 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 begum was an arresting-looking woman, tall and broad-shouldered, with a face as craggy and immobile as an Easter Island statue. Ellen Barry, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu begam

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of begum was in 1617

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Cite this Entry

“Begum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/begum. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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