Shiites are members of a branch of the Islamic religion which regards Mohammed's cousin Ali and his successors, rather than Mohammed himself, as the final authority on religious matters.
...the Shiites in southern Iraq.
2. adjective
Shiite means relating to Shiites and their religious beliefs or practices.
...Shiite Muslims.
Iraq's population is roughly half Shi'ite.
Shiite in British English
(ˈʃiːaɪt) or Shiah Islam
noun
1.
an adherent of Shia
adjective
2.
of or relating to Shia
Derived forms
Shiitic (ʃiːˈɪtɪk)
adjective
Shiite in American English
(ˈʃiˌaɪt)
noun
a member of one of the two great sects of Muslims: Shiites consider Ali, Mohammed's son-in-law and the fourth of the caliphs, as the first Imam and the rightful successor of Mohammed, and do not accept the Sunna as authoritative
see also Sunnite
Derived forms
Shiism (ˈShiˌism)
noun
Shiitic (Shiˈitic) (ˈʃiˈɪtɪk)
adjective
Word origin
Ar shīʿa, followers, faction, sect < shāʿa, to spread, circulate
In other languages
Shiite
British English: Shiite /ˈʃiːaɪt/ ADJECTIVE
Shiite means relating to Shiites and their religious beliefs or practises.