tribal

1 of 2

adjective

trib·​al ˈtrī-bəl How to pronounce tribal (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe
tribal customs
tribally adverb

tribal

2 of 2

noun

: a member of an aboriginal people of India
usually used in plural

Examples of tribal in a Sentence

Adjective a tribal solidarity that transcends all other loyalties or bonds
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.
Adjective
The story centers on the estate’s shifting power dynamics after the arrival of the madame’s new lover, a singer/shaman scholar, as the sisters begin reclaiming their tribal heritage. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024 In settings ranging from the streets of London during World War II to the tribal compounds of modern-day Kenya, young actors are leading some of the most compelling and emotional onscreen stories. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
Todd had the greatest final tribal of all time with his way with words. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 4 Sep. 2024 After Ben Driebergen protects himself at three consecutive tribals with immunity idols, Chrissy Hoffbeck, Devon Pinto, and Ryan Ulrich expect to be able to send him home at final four, where idols can no longer be played. Nic Juarez, Vulture, 4 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for tribal 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1632, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribal was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near tribal

Cite this Entry

“Tribal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribal. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

tribal

adjective
trib·​al
ˈtrī-bəl
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe
tribally
-bə-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tribal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!