noun
cabal
kuh-BAHL
Cabal (noun) means a small group secretly plotting together, especially in politics. Example: “A cabal of senior officials pushed the policy through without debate.”
noun
1
A small group secretly plotting together, especially in politics.
"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.
When to use it
Carries a negative, conspiratorial tone.
Common pairings
a secret cabal
a cabal of insiders
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Word forms
- Plural
- cabals
- Third person singular
- cabals
- Past tense
- cabaled, caballed
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.
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