tribalism

noun

trib·​al·​ism ˈtrī-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce tribalism (audio)
1
: tribal consciousness and loyalty
especially : exaltation of the tribe above other groups
2
: strong in-group loyalty

Examples of tribalism in a Sentence

Tribalism within the group is strong. the corrupting influence of tribalism
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.
But was the tribalism between folk and rock music actually this intense? Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024 The 2020 presidential campaign will only further intensify the country’s partisan tribalism. Thomas Carothers, Foreign Affairs, 25 Sep. 2019 Cancel culture—our own brand of modern tribalism—often shames and isolates those whose opinions differ from ours. Margie Warrell, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Most of them are abandoned or rejected by their peer groups, thanks to tribalism or simple self-preservation. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tribalism 

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribalism was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near tribalism

Cite this Entry

“Tribalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribalism. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tribalism

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!