dirham: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal / Technical (Finance, Travel, History)
Quick answer
What does “dirham” mean?
A unit of currency, primarily the official currency of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of currency, primarily the official currency of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
Historically, a silver coin and unit of weight used in various Islamic states; can refer to the currencies of several Middle Eastern and North African nations, including Morocco (Moroccan dirham), UAE (UAE dirham), and formerly others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. Both varieties refer to the same currencies. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Neutral; denotes a specific foreign currency. May evoke associations with travel, trade, or Islamic history.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing in financial news, travel guides, and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “dirham” in a Sentence
the [Nationality/Country] dirham[Number] dirhamsexchange [Currency] for dirhamsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dirham” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dirham-denominated bond was issued in London.
American English
- Dirham-pegged currencies are common in the Gulf.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in forex trading, international finance, and import/export invoices (e.g., 'The contract is denominated in UAE dirhams.').
Academic
Appears in economic studies, historical papers on Islamic trade, and geopolitical analyses.
Everyday
Primarily in travel contexts (e.g., 'How many dirhams do I need for the taxi?').
Technical
In banking systems for currency codes (MAD, AED), and in numismatics (study of coins).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dirham”
- Misspelling as 'dirhem' or 'derham'.
- Using 'dirham' as a generic term for any Middle Eastern currency (e.g., mistakenly for Saudi riyal or Qatari riyal).
- Incorrect capitalisation (not a proper noun unless part of a full name: 'UAE Dirham').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not typically. It is a common noun for a currency unit. It is capitalised only when part of the full official name (e.g., 'UAE Dirham'), similar to 'pound' or 'dollar'.
The standard English plural is 'dirhams' (e.g., 'one hundred dirhams').
No, they are distinct currencies with different values and currency codes (MAD for Morocco, AED for UAE). They are not interchangeable.
It derives from the Greek 'drachma', via Arabic 'dirham'. It was historically a silver coin and unit of weight in the Islamic world.
A unit of currency, primarily the official currency of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
Dirham is usually formal / technical (finance, travel, history) in register.
Dirham: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪərəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪrˈhɑːm/ or /ˈdɪrˌhæm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIRectly from Morocco, I need dirHAM for my holiday.' Combines the word 'dir' (like direct travel) and 'ham' (a memorable ending).
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A MEASURE (of value, of economic stability).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these countries does NOT use the dirham as its official currency?