cabal
Cabal (noun) means a small group secretly plotting together, especially in politics. Example: “A cabal of senior officials pushed the policy through without debate.”
How to Use Cabal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA secretive group scheming together, usually for political ends.
Carries a negative, conspiratorial tone.
Word Forms
cabaled past tense, caballed past tense, cabals plural, Cabals plural, cabals singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ of senior officials pushed the policy through without debate.
Etymology
From French cabale, ultimately from Hebrew kabalah ("received tradition") — the same root as the mystical Kabbalah.
Synonyms
View more →Related Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “cabal” mean?
The word “cabal” means a small group secretly plotting together, especially in politics. In plain terms, a secretive group scheming together, usually for political ends.
How do you pronounce “cabal”?
“Cabal” is pronounced kuh-BAHL (/kəˈbɑːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cabal” in a sentence?
Here is “cabal” used in a sentence: “A cabal of senior officials pushed the policy through without debate.”
What part of speech is “cabal”?
“Cabal” is a noun.
Where does the word “cabal” come from?
The word “cabal” comes from French. From French cabale, ultimately from Hebrew kabalah ("received tradition") — the same root as the mystical Kabbalah.
Featured In
Vocabulary lists that include cabal: