clique

noun

: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons
especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes
high school cliques
cliquey adjective
cliquish adjective
cliquishly adverb
cliquishness noun

Examples of clique in a Sentence

that clique refuses to even talk to outsiders at their lunch table
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The department has been haunted for years by allegations about violent, tattooed cliques, whose bad behavior has cost the county millions of dollars in legal settlements. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025 But while Nick's actions threaten to alienate him from his clique, Carell has spoken about how the series ultimately brought him closer to Fey. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 3 May 2025 In a neighborhood in Golden in the early 2000s, five friends formed a clique dangerously dubbed The Burrito Boys. Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025 There were no small dinners for the team’s different cliques, only large team dinners every night. Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for clique

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clique was in 1711

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clique. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

clique

noun
: a small group of people who spend time together and are not friendly to other people
cliquey
ˈklē-kē How to pronounce clique (audio)
ˈkli-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on clique

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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