Definition

Noun: 1. A historical Arab dynasty: The Umayyad (also spelled Omayyad) was the first major hereditary dynasty of the Islamic Caliphate, ruling from 661 to 750 CE. 2. A member of this dynasty: An "Omayyad" can also refer to an individual ruler or member of this family.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the dynasty:
  • The Omayyad dynasty established its capital in Damascus.
  • The expansion of the Islamic empire continued under the Omayyad caliphs.
• Referring to a member:
  • Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan was a notable Omayyad.
  • The last Omayyad caliph was overthrown in 750 CE.

Advanced Usage

• "Umayyad Caliphate": The term is often used as part of the full name for the state they ruled.
  • The Umayyad Caliphate stretched from Spain to Central Asia.
• Historical context: The term is used in contrast to subsequent dynasties, like the Abbasids.
  • After the fall of the Omayyads, the Abbasid dynasty moved the capital to Baghdad.

Variants and Related Words

• Umayyad: The more common modern spelling of the same word.
• Umayyads (plural noun): The collective members of the dynasty.
• Umayyad Caliphate: The political entity ruled by the dynasty.

Synonyms

• Damascus Caliphate: A synonym referencing the dynasty's capital city.
• Banu Umayya: The Arabic name for the Umayyad clan.

Noun

1. the first dynasty of Arab caliphs whose capital was Damascus