What does "imam" mean?

One who leads the salat prayers in a mosque.

What is a synonym for "imam"?

Common synonyms include: clergyman, cleric, clerics, dervish, divinely appointed leader, emir.

/ˈiːmɑːm/ name, noun

name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
One who leads the salat prayers in a mosque.
"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)"
2
(Islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for Shiites an imam is a recognized authority on Islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide wordnet
3
A Shi'ite Muslim leader descended from the prophet Muhammad and functioning as his spiritual successor. capitalized, usually
4
A Shi'ite Muslim leader descended from the prophet Muhammad and functioning as his spiritual successor.; One of the Twelve imams, descendants of Muhammad from the seventh to ninth centuries CE who lived exemplary lives. capitalized, usually

Proper Noun

"I seldom cook "Imam Bayıldı" because it is a lot of work."

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Arabic إِمَام (ʔimām, “leader”).

Etymology 2

Occupational surname, borrowed from Arabic إمام (ʔimām). This surname is mostly found in Afghanistan and Bangladesh.