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Al Qaeda

The definition of al-Qaeda is a radical Islamic group organized by Osama bin Laden in the 1990s to engage in terrorist activities.

(noun)

A group of militant Muslim fundamentalists founded by bin Laden is an example of Al-Qaeda.

See Al Qaeda in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a radical Islamic organization operating through an international network of secret cells: it claims to be engaged in a jihad and has been responsible for many acts of terrorism

also written al-Qaeda or al-Qaida

Origin: Ar, lit., the base, foundation

See Al Qaeda in American Heritage Dictionary 4

or al-Qai·da

noun

An international organization of loosely affiliated cells that carry out attacks and bombings in the attempt to disrupt the economies and influence of Western nations and advance Islamic fundamentalism.

Origin:

Origin: Arabic al-qā‘ida, the base

Origin: : al-, the

Origin: + qā‘ida, foundation, base

Origin: , feminine participle of qa‘ada, to sit

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