noun
Common
sept
sehpt
Sept (noun) means a clan or family group descended from a common ancestor, especially one of the traditional clans of Ireland or Scotland. Example: “The Scottish sept shared a surname and gathered once a year at the castle.”
noun
1
A clan or family group descended from a common ancestor, especially one of the traditional clans of Ireland or Scotland.
"Never need you fear for a single thane of your sept or nation, young warriors or old."
— Seamus Heaney, Beowulf (1999)
"The Scottish sept shared a surname and gathered once a year at the castle."
"Each sept had its own territory and chieftain."
"She traced her family back to an old Irish sept."
How to use sept
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA branch of a larger clan, tied together by shared ancestry.
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Word forms
- Plural
- septs
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The Scottish _____ shared a surname and gathered once a year at the castle.
Etymology
A altered form of "sect," shaped by the Latin word saeptum, meaning "fence" or "enclosure."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sept
See all rhymes for sept →Frequently asked questions
What does “sept” mean?
The word “sept” means a clan or family group descended from a common ancestor, especially one of the traditional clans of Ireland or Scotland. In plain terms, a branch of a larger clan, tied together by shared ancestry.
How do you pronounce “sept”?
“Sept” is pronounced sehpt (/sɛpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “sept” in a sentence?
Here is “sept” used in a sentence: “Each sept had its own territory and chieftain.”
What part of speech is “sept”?
“Sept” is a noun.
Where does the word “sept” come from?
The word “sept” comes from Latin. A altered form of "sect," shaped by the Latin word saeptum, meaning "fence" or "enclosure.".
Is “sept” a common word?
“Sept” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "sept" and a "clan"?
A sept is a clan or family group descended from a common ancestor, especially among the traditional clans of Ireland and Scotland. In Scottish usage, a sept is often a smaller family that falls under the name or protection of a larger clan. So a clan may include several septs bearing different surnames.
What is the difference between a "sept" and a "family"?
A "family" is a general group of related people, usually close relatives. A "sept" is a larger kinship group descended from a common ancestor, tied to the clan systems of Ireland and Scotland. A sept spans many families sharing a common lineage.
Is "sept" an Irish or a Scottish term?
"Sept" is used in both Irish and Scottish contexts to mean a clan or family group descended from a common ancestor. In Ireland it often refers to a distinct clan itself, while in Scotland it commonly means a family associated with a larger clan. The word applies to the traditional clan systems of both nations.
What is the difference between a "sept" and a "tribe"?
A "sept" is a family group descended from a common ancestor, specifically tied to Irish and Scottish clan traditions. A "tribe" is a broader social group that may include many families or clans, often used of peoples worldwide. A sept is narrower and rooted in a shared ancestral line.
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