Meaning of the word imam in English

What does imam mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

imam

US /ɪˈmɑːm/
UK /ɪˈmɑːm/

Noun

1.

the person who leads prayers in a mosque

Example:
The imam delivered a sermon on the importance of charity.
He studied for many years to become an imam.
2.

a title of various Muslim leaders, especially of one of the twelve Shia imams

Example:
The Shia Muslims revere the twelve Imams as spiritual and political successors to Prophet Muhammad.
The concept of the Imamate is central to Shia Islam.