tribal

American  

[trahy-buhl] / ˈtraɪ bəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe.

   tribal customs in Indonesia.

2. designating, characterized by, or relating to a strong sense of loyalty to one’s own tribe, party, or group.

   Tribal politics can be divisive and counterproductive.

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ˈtribal British  

/ ˈtraɪbəl /

adjective

1. of or denoting a tribe or tribes

   tribal chiefs in northern Yemen

2. displaying loyalty to a tribe, group, or tribal values

   the tribal loyalties of Labour MPs

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Other Word Forms

• nontribal adjective
• quasi-tribal adjective
• subtribal adjective
• tribally adverb

Etymology

Origin of tribal

First recorded in 1625–35; tribe + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Inside this edition, Cranach's map presents the stations of the wilderness wanderings and the division of the Promised Land into twelve tribal regions.

From Science Daily

But this week, she says she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after officers questioned the legitimacy of her tribal ID, calling it “fake.”

From Salon

In a world of tribal hatreds and ancient resentments, the Gospel unites people in bonds of love who might otherwise have every reason to treat each other with suspicion.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fire Department and other local and state firefighting agencies — outlines concerns about “sensitive” plants, animal species and tribal sites.

From Los Angeles Times

Pakistan's Federal Constabulary, previously known as the Frontier Constabulary, is responsible for handling situations beyond the capabilities of the police force, including tribal incursions and criminal gang violence.

From BBC