Mahdi

[ mah-dee ]
/ ˈmɑ di /

noun, plural Mah·dis.

the Muslim messiah, an expected spiritual and temporal ruler destined to establish a reign of righteousness throughout the world.
any of various claimants to this role, especially Muhammad Ahmed, who established an independent government in the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan that lasted until 1898.

Origin of Mahdi

First recorded in 1790–1800, Mahdi is from the Arabic word mahdīy he who is guided

OTHER WORDS FROM Mahdi

Mah·dism [mah-diz-uh m] /ˈmɑ dɪz əm/, noun Mah·dist, noun, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for mahdi

Mahdi
/ (ˈmɑːdɪ) /

noun

the title assumed by Mohammed Ahmed. ?1843–85, Sudanese military leader, who led a revolt against Egypt (1881) and captured Khartoum (1885)
Islam any of a number of Muslim messiahs expected to convert all mankind to Islam

Derived forms of Mahdi

Mahdism, noun Mahdist, noun, adjective

Word Origin for Mahdi

Arabic mahdīy one who is guided, from madā to guide aright