imam
/ˈiːmɑːm/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: imams
Sense 1
Meaning · English
One who leads the salat prayers in a mosque.
Noun
Examples
Now it chanced that in one of the mosques was an Imam. (footnote: The person specially appointed to lead the prayers of the congregation and paid out of the endowed revenues of the mosque to which he is attached)
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A Shi'ite Muslim leader descended from the prophet Muhammad and functioning as his spiritual successor.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “imam” mean?
One who leads the salat prayers in a mosque.
Is “imam” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.