tribal

[trahy-buhl]

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.

ˈtribal

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribal¹

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

Example Sentences

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.”

Read more on 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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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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.

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Some wear tribal makeup, white paint drawn on their faces in intricate and artistic designs.

Read more on Literature