tribe
tryb
Tribe (noun) means a social group made up of related families or clans, often sharing language, culture, and territory. Example: “Each tribe in the region has its own language and traditions.”
noun
1
A social group made up of related families or clans, often sharing language, culture, and territory.
"Each tribe in the region has its own language and traditions."
"The elders of the tribe gathered to decide where to move for the winter."
"The museum exhibit explores the history of several Native American tribes."
2
(informal) A group of people with shared interests, values, or identity.
"Online, she met her tribe of fellow book lovers who understood her humour."
"Every craft fair is a chance for our little tribe of knitters to meet."
"She finally found her tribe among fellow hikers and climbers."
How to use tribe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group of people bound together by shared ancestry, culture, or (informally) common interests and identity.
Common pairings
tribe of hunters
find your tribe
indigenous tribe
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Word forms
- Plural
- tribes
- Third person singular
- tribes
- Past tense
- tribed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each _____ in the region has its own language and traditions.
Etymology
From Latin tribus, originally referring to one of the three main divisions of the early Roman people, later broadened to mean any ethnic or social grouping.
Related words
Rhymes for tribe
See all rhymes for tribe →Frequently asked questions
What does “tribe” mean?
The word “tribe” means a social group made up of related families or clans, often sharing language, culture, and territory. In plain terms, a group of people bound together by shared ancestry, culture, or (informally) common interests and identity.
How do you pronounce “tribe”?
“Tribe” is pronounced tryb (/tɹaɪb/ in IPA).
How do you use “tribe” in a sentence?
Here is “tribe” used in a sentence: “The museum exhibit explores the history of several Native American tribes.”
What is another word for “tribe”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tribe” include tribus.
What part of speech is “tribe”?
“Tribe” is a noun.
Where does the word “tribe” come from?
The word “tribe” comes from Latin. From Latin tribus, originally referring to one of the three main divisions of the early Roman people, later broadened to mean any ethnic or social grouping.
Is “tribe” a common word?
“Tribe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tribe” have?
“Tribe” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a social group made up of related families or clans, often sharing language, culture, and territory.
What is the difference between a tribe and a clan?
A tribe is a social group made up of related families or clans that often share language, culture, and territory. A clan is usually a smaller unit within a tribe, made up of families claiming common descent. In short, a tribe can contain several clans.
What is the difference between a tribe and a nation?
A tribe is a group of related families or clans sharing culture and often a common area. A nation is a larger community usually united by shared identity and, in the modern sense, a state or government. A nation can include many tribes.
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