Sunni

noun

Sun·​ni ˈsu̇(n)-(ˌ)nē How to pronounce Sunni (audio)
1
: the Muslims of the branch of Islam that adheres to the orthodox tradition and acknowledges the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad compare shia
2
: a Sunni Muslim
Sunni adjective

Examples of Sunni 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 Islamic State group follows a hard-line version of Sunni Islam and considers Shiite Muslims to be apostates. Warren P. Strobel, arkansasonline.com, 26 Jan. 2025 And Alawites at times faced their own attacks and persecution as a minority, particularly by Sunni jihadi rebels. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Editors’ Picks General Aoun is now expected to appoint a prime minister, in consultation with Parliament, and the prime minister — who must be a Sunni Muslim — will then form a government. Dayana Iwaza, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 In Lebanon, the head of state has a limited role under the power-sharing system in which the president is always a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of parliament Shiite. Sally Abou Aljoud and Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for Sunni 

Word History

Etymology

Arabic sunnī, from sunna

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Sunni was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near Sunni

Cite this Entry

“Sunni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sunni. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

Sunni

noun
Sun·​ni ˈsu̇n-(n)ē How to pronounce Sunni (audio)
plural Sunnis or Sunni
1
: one of the two main branches of Islam
2
: a Muslim who is a member of the Sunni branch of Islam

More from Merriam-Webster on Sunni

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