What does "islam" mean?
the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran
Islam
/ˈɪs.lɑːm/ name
name ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran
- Grammar: islam is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: islamic civilization, islamic culture, islamic faith, islamic world.
- Useful contrasts: atheism, mohammedanism, mohammedanisms.
- Usage evidence: Christianity and Islam are two different religions.
How to use "islam"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "islam" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "islam" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "islam" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "islam" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "islam" is acting as name in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "islamic civilization" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "islam", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 the monotheistic religious system of Muslims founded in Arabia in the 7th century and based on the teachings of Muhammad as laid down in the Koran wordnet
- 2 the civilization of Muslims collectively which is governed by the Muslim religion wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A monotheistic Abrahamic religion followed by Muslims that is based on the teachings of Muhammad and the Qur'an. uncountable, usually
"“When people see a woman covered, or she is in modest attire, that represents Islam to them,” Lbhalla says. “So as a result, we are receiving the brunt of the hostility. They take out their fears or their hate for Islam and Muslims out on us.”"
- 2 A monotheistic Abrahamic religion followed by Muslims that is based on the teachings of Muhammad and the Qur'an.; Muslimdom (the sphere of influence of the religion). uncountable, usually
"It is no doubt true that other civilizations, prior to, or wholly alien to, the medieval West, such as the Roman Empire, Byzantium, Islam, or China, were familiar with forms of higher education which a number of historians, for the sake of convenience, have sometimes described as universities."
- 3 A male given name. uncountable, usually
- 4 A surname. uncountable, usually
"“When I’m dressed like this, they know,” says Lufta Islam, touching her hijab and long dress. ” ‘OK, she’s a Muslim girl.’ “"
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Christianity and Islam are two different religions."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "islam"?
Common synonyms include: islamic civilization, islamic culture, islamic faith, islamic world, islamism, islams.
How do you use "islam" in a sentence?
Christianity and Islam are two different religions.
How do you pronounce "islam"?
Pronounced /ˈɪs.lɑːm/.
Etymology
Borrowed around 1610 from Arabic إِسْلَام (ʔislām, “submission, surrender”), verbal noun of أَسْلَمَ (ʔaslama), from the root س ل م (s l m).