English · Word Candidate

sultan

/ˈsʌltən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sultans · salateen

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The holder of a secular office, formally subordinate to, but de facto the power behind the throne of, the caliph.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A hereditary ruler in various Muslim states (sultanate), varying from petty principalities (as in Yemen), often vassal of a greater ruler, to independent realms, such as Oman, Brunei, Morocco (until 1957) or an empire such as the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

Noun

Examples

Here from the king's mountain view Here from the wild dream come true Feast like a sultan, I do On treasures and flesh never few

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).

Common questions

What does “sultan” mean?

The holder of a secular office, formally subordinate to, but de facto the power behind the throne of, the caliph.

Is “sultan” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.