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 divisiveness and vitriol at the state and especially national level is undoubtedly feeding into this local election, as society in general has become more tribal and insular, thanks in large part to the weaponization of social media. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 This termination policy subjected tribal nations and reservation lands to state jurisdiction and relocated at least 200,000 Native people from tribal lands to urban centers. Alyssa Kreikemeier, The Conversation, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
And when Rachel responded that his path was easier because people were not targeting him, Sam was able to deftly counter that he was voted for the most times out of anyone in the final three, and was voted for at four different tribals and received 10 votes. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 Dec. 2024 Todd had the greatest final tribal of all time with his way with words. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 4 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tribal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribal. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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
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