What does « ʿYr » mean in the Quran?

Discover the meaning of the word ʿYr (عير) in the Quran, with 3 verses in which it appears, and a detailed explanation from Al-Raghib al-Asfahani's Mufradat fi gharib al-Qur'an.

عير

ʿYr

Root: ع - ر

Quranic language 3 verses

Updated on 29 May 2026 at 7:00 AM

📖 2 min read

Definition of ʿYr

Al-'ir: people carrying travel provisions.

It is a name for men and camels together.

The Almighty says: 'Ask the caravan' (Yusuf 82). 'We seek the king's cup' (Yusuf 72).

ʿYr in the Quran (3)

Meccan: 3 Medinan: 0

Surah Yusuf : 70 Meccan

﴿فَلَمَّا جَهَّزَهُم بِجَهَازِهِمْ جَعَلَ ٱلسِّقَايَةَ فِى رَحْلِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ أَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ أَيَّتُهَا ٱلْعِيرُ إِنَّكُمْ لَسَٰرِقُونَ﴾

So when he had furnished them with their supplies, he put the [gold measuring] bowl into the bag of his brother. Then an announcer called out, "O caravan, indeed you are thieves."

Surah Yusuf : 82 Meccan

﴿وَسْـَٔلِ ٱلْقَرْيَةَ ٱلَّتِى كُنَّا فِيهَا وَٱلْعِيرَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَقْبَلْنَا فِيهَا وَإِنَّا لَصَٰدِقُونَ﴾

And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came - and indeed, we are truthful,"

Surah Yusuf : 94 Meccan

﴿وَلَمَّا فَصَلَتِ ٱلْعِيرُ قَالَ أَبُوهُمْ إِنِّى لَأَجِدُ رِيحَ يُوسُفَ لَوْلَآ أَن تُفَنِّدُونِ﴾

And when the caravan departed [from Egypt], their father said, "Indeed, I find the smell of Joseph [and would say that he was alive] if you did not think me weakened in mind."