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
Many are calling on the federal government and the Catholic Church to invest in opportunities in Indian Country for tribal members to revitalize their culture, such as by helping to fund language immersion programs. Frank Vaisvilas, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024 The new land will more than double the tribal nation's trust lands from 1,810 to 5,011 acres, although the total is still a shadow of what the tribe once owned. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 4 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 21 Nov. 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
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