dey

noun

ˈdā How to pronounce dey (audio)
: a ruling official of the Ottoman Empire in northern Africa

Word History

Etymology

French, from Turkish dayı, literally, maternal uncle

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dey was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near dey

dextrotropic

dey

deywoman

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Cite this Entry

“Dey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dey. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dey

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dey

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