Dervish

usgb/ˈdɜːrvɪʃ/
noun

A member of a Muslim religious group who lives by begging and donations. They are known for their dancing and whirling rituals.

In the town square, a dervish was performing an entrancing whirl.
Visual representation of "dervish" - A member of a Muslim religious group who lives by begging and donations. They are known for their dancing and whirling rituals.

Often appears as...

  • whirling dervish
  • sufi dervish

Usage tips

Religious

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "dervish"
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Sufi Origin

Understand that 'dervish' refers to Sufi Muslims, emphasizing the spiritual practices.

Illustration for Sufi Origin
The sufi dervishes gathered for a night of prayer.
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Whirling Rituals

'Dervish' often relates to their distinctive form of worship involving dance and movement.

Illustration for Whirling Rituals
The dervish's whirling was a form of meditation.
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Not Just Beggars

Don't reduce dervishes to beggars; respect their religious and cultural significance.

Illustration for Not Just Beggars
He studied the dervishes, not for their poverty, but for their faith.
Visual representation of the word "Dervish"

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