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.
Pakistan's History of Sectarian Conflict Kurram district, situated near Pakistan's border with Afghanistan, has long been a flashpoint for sectarian violence between the Sunni Muslim majority and Shiite Muslim minority. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 The president must be a Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 However, for Destiny, Sunni's now frenemy and her partner's ex, the news is awkward and complicated. Esther Kang, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, its relationships with the Sunni Arab dictatorships have been improving. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024 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 28 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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