Druze

US: (dro̅o̅z)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

Druze  (dro̅o̅z), n. 

1. Eastern Religions [Islam.] a member of an independent religious sect living chiefly in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, established in the 11th century as a branch of Isma‘ili Shi‘ism and containing elements of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and believing in the transmigration of souls and the ultimate perfection of humankind. Also, Druse. 

• Arabic durūz, plural of durzī a Druze, derivative of the name of one of the sect founders, Muḥammad ibn Ismā‘īl al-Darazī
• 1595–1605

Dru′ze•an, Dru′zi•an, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Druse, Druze / druːz/ noun (Druse, Druze)

1. a member of a religious sect, mainly living in Syria, Lebanon, and Israel, having certain characteristics in common with Muslims
2. (as modifier): Druse beliefs

Etymology: 18th Century: from Arabic Durūz the Druses, after Ismail al-Darazi Ismail the tailor, 11th-century Muslim leader who founded the sect