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 new government, dominated by Syria’s Sunni Muslim majority, has promised inclusivity for the country’s minority groups and has at times stepped up security for them. Nanna Heitmann, New York Times, 1 May 2025 One was to improve relations between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world, particularly with followers of Sunni Islam. Victor Gaetan, Foreign Affairs, 25 Apr. 2025 Lebanon's political system is based on sect, mandating that the president be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament a Shiite Muslim. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Some Sunni Muslims tried to help their neighbors who were unable to sneak out. Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sunni.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sunni. Accessed 20 May. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!