Emir vs. Sheik — What's the Difference?

Emir (; Arabic: أمير ʾamīr [ʔaˈmiːr]), sometimes transliterated amir, amier, or ameer, is a word of Arabic origin that can refer to a male monarch, aristocrat, holder of high-ranking military or political office, or other person possessing actual or ceremonial authority. The title has a long history of use in the Arab World, East Africa, West Africa, Afghanistan, and the Indian subcontinent.

(Islam) A man respected for his piety or religious learning.

A prince, chieftain, or governor, especially in the Middle East.

A male leader of an Arab family or village.

A prince, commander or other leader or ruler in an Islamic nation.

A man in an Arab society who is important or wealthy.

A descendant of the prophet Muhammad.

Used as a form of address for such a man.

An Arabian military commander, independent chieftain, or ruler of a province; also, an honorary title given to the descendants of Mohammed, in the line of his daughter Fatima; among the Turks, likewise, a title of dignity, given to certain high officials.

Sheik(Slang) A sexually alluring man.

An independent ruler or chieftain (especially in Africa or Arabia)

The leader of an Arab village, family or small tribe.

An Islamic religious cleric; the leader of an Islamic religious order.

An official title for members of the royal family as well as some prominent families.

(1920s) A romantic lover. from the 1921 film The Sheik

(slang) An Arab, especially one dressed in traditional clothing.

An honorific for specialists in spirituality, for example in Sufism.

The head of an Arab family, or of a clan or a tribe; also, the chief magistrate of an Arab village. The name is also applied to Mohammedan ecclesiastics of a high grade.

The leader of an Arab village or family

A man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance