ˈsu̇nē noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Arabic sunnīy
1. : the Muslims comprising the larger of the two major branches of Islam that adheres to the orthodox tradition of the sunna, acknowledges the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad, and recognizes as orthodox any of four schools of jurisprudence — compare shi' a
2. : sunnite
3. : the branch of Islam formed by the Sunni