coterie

[koh-tuh-ree]

noun

1. a group of people who associate closely.

2. an exclusive group; clique.

3. a group of prairie dogs occupying a communal burrow.

coterie

/ ˈkəʊtərɪ /

noun

1. a small exclusive group of friends or people with common interests; clique

Word History and Origins

Origin of coterie¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from French, Middle French: “an association of tenant farmers,” from Medieval Latin coter(ius) cotter ² + -ie -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of coterie¹

C18: from French, from Old French: association of tenants, from cotier (unattested) cottager, from Medieval Latin cotārius _cotter ²; see _cot ²

Synonym Study

See circle.

Example Sentences

The most obvious addition to attendees this year was a coterie of lobbyists touring the venue trying to understand how they might work with a Reform-led government.

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Indeed, the lion’s share of the blame goes to Joe Biden and the coterie of enablers who encouraged him to run again.

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What was left of Park's coterie tried to make sense of what had happened.

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His words may be a guide to his state of mind — or his state of con — but they don’t necessarily reflect his or his coterie’s actual beliefs.

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The trial started on Feb. 4 and lasted just three days, but it attracted a coterie of spectators.

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Related Words

• cadre