Logo
dictionary thesaurus

Shia

noun
\ ˈshē-(ˌ)ä How to pronounce Shia (audio) \

Definition of Shia

1 : the Muslims of the branch of Islam comprising sects believing in Ali and the Imams as the only rightful successors of Muhammad and in the concealment and messianic return of the last recognized Imam — compare sunni
2 : shiite
3 : the branch of Islam formed by the Shia

First Known Use of Shia

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for Shia

Arabic shīʽa followers, faction, sect

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for Shia

Shia

noun
How to pronounce Shia (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of Shia

: one of the two main branches of Islam
: a Muslim who is a member of the Shia branch of Islam

See the full definition for Shia in the English Language Learners Dictionary

WORD OF THE DAY

Yankee

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!