clique

[kleek, klik]

noun

1. a small, exclusive group of people; coterie; set.

verb (used without object)

cliqued, cliquing 

1. Informal.,  to form, or associate in, a clique.

clique

/ klɪk, kliːk /

noun

1. a small, exclusive group of friends or associates

Other Word Forms

• cliquishness noun
• cliquish adjective
• cliquishly adverb
• cliqueless adjective
• cliquey adjective
• cliquy adjective
• cliquism noun
• subclique noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clique¹

1705–15; < French, apparently metaphorical use of Middle French clique latch, or noun derivative of cliquer to make noise, resound, imitative word parallel to click ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of clique¹

C18: from French, perhaps from Old French: latch, from cliquer to click; suggestive of the necessity to exclude nonmembers

Synonym Study

See circle, ring ¹.

Example Sentences

Flighty and magnetic, Oliver trills that his clique is “one big happy family,” using his faux-obliviousness to shield himself from being the bad guy.

From Los Angeles Times

They already have their cliques and social darlings.

From Salon

His priorities included bolstering the board’s ability to conduct effective oversight and compelling a commitment by Sheriff Robert Luna to enact a ban on deputy gangs and cliques.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics have accused deputy cliques of engaging in brawls and other misconduct.

From Los Angeles Times

The series, which premieres on Prime Video on May 20, is set amid junkyards and repair shops, gangs and high school cliques.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cabal 
• clan 
• coterie 
• faction 
• gang 
• mob 
• posse