k-h-i-m-a-r
KHIMAR is a type of head covering worn by some Muslim women, typically covering the head, neck, and shoulders while leaving the face visible. In word games, it's a valuable 6-letter word featuring both K (5 points) and H (4 points), making it excellent for high-scoring plays.
15
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
KHIMAR (plural: khimars or khimarat) is a traditional Islamic head covering worn by some Muslim women as part of their modest dress. It specifically refers to a veil that covers the head, neck, and shoulders, typically leaving the face visible, unlike the niqab which also covers the face.
In word games, KHIMAR is a strategic play worth 15 base points in Scrabble. The combination of K (5 points) and H (4 points) provides excellent scoring potential, especially when placed on premium squares.
The word "khimar" (خِمار) comes from Arabic, derived from the root kh-m-r (خ-م-ر), which relates to covering or concealing. The same root gives us words related to fermentation and intoxication, as both involve "covering" or "veiling" - in one case the head, in the other, the mind.
The term appears in the Quran (24:31), where believing women are instructed to "draw their khimars over their chests." This religious text has influenced the word's significance in Islamic culture for over 1,400 years.
"The linguistic journey of 'khimar' from Arabic to English dictionaries reflects the growing multicultural vocabulary needed in our globalized world."
For many Muslim women, the khimar represents a personal choice of faith, modesty, and cultural identity. It serves as both a religious observance and a statement of personal values, with styles and wearing practices varying greatly across different cultures and individual preferences.
The decision to wear khimar is deeply personal and can reflect religious devotion, cultural tradition, family customs, or individual choice.
The word "khimar" has been accepted in major English dictionaries including Merriam-Webster and Oxford, reflecting the increasing recognition of Islamic cultural terms in English vocabulary.
Historically, head coverings similar to khimar were worn across many cultures - from ancient Greek and Roman veils to medieval European wimples - showing that modest head covering has been a cross-cultural practice.
In Scrabble tournaments, KHIMAR is considered a premium play due to its combination of high-value consonants (K=5, H=4) and common vowels, often scoring 50+ points with proper placement.
The fashion industry has embraced khimar-inspired designs, with major fashion houses creating modest wear collections that blend traditional elements with contemporary style.
"She chose a colorful khimar that matched her outfit, appreciating how the lightweight fabric kept her cool in the summer heat."
"The study examined how young Muslim women negotiate their identity through choices about wearing the khimar in multicultural societies."
"Playing KHIMAR with the K on a triple letter score and spanning to a double word score netted me 72 points - my best play of the game!"
Total base points: 15 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 4
With both K and H, this word is perfect for late-game plays when you need significant points. The -AR ending can help form crosswords.
Double High-Value Letters
With K (5) and H (4), try to place one or both on premium squares for maximum impact.
Use the KH- Opening
The KH combination is rare in English, making it valuable for blocking opponents.
Consider KHIMARS
The plural form adds an S for 7 letters total, opening bingo possibilities.
KHIMAR
15 base points
KHIMARS
16 base points
With Double Word
30 points
With Triple Word
45 points
Words containing both K and H
Other accepted cultural words
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like KHIMAR