clan
6 synonyms for clan, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large group of related families claiming descent from a common ancestor.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use clan
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clan chief
clan gathering
gaming clan
Etymology
From Scottish Gaelic clann ("children, offspring"), ultimately from Latin planta ("shoot, offspring").
Full origin of clan →Frequently asked questions
What does “clan” mean?
The word “clan” means a large group of related families claiming descent from a common ancestor. In plain terms, a group of people linked by family ties or a shared ancestor — or, loosely, any tight-knit group.
How do you pronounce “clan”?
“Clan” is pronounced klan (/klæn/ in IPA).
How do you use “clan” in a sentence?
Here is “clan” used in a sentence: “The Scottish clan gathered for its annual reunion.”
What part of speech is “clan”?
“Clan” is a noun.
Where does the word “clan” come from?
The word “clan” comes from Latin. From Scottish Gaelic clann ("children, offspring"), ultimately from Latin planta ("shoot, offspring").
Is “clan” a common word?
“Clan” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “clan” have?
“Clan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large group of related families claiming descent from a common ancestor.
What is the difference between a clan and a tribe?
A clan is a group of related families claiming descent from a common ancestor, and clans are often subgroups within a larger tribe. A tribe is usually bigger and may contain several clans linked by shared culture, language, or territory.
What is the difference between a clan and a family?
A family is typically a small group of closely related people, such as parents and children. A clan is much larger, made up of many families who claim descent from a common ancestor, though informally 'clan' can affectionately describe a big extended family.
Where is the word 'clan' most strongly associated?
'Clan' is closely associated with Scottish and Irish history, where clans were kinship groups sharing a common ancestor and often a surname. Today the word is also used broadly for any group united by descent or loyalty.
