tribalism

American  

[trahy-buh-liz-uhm] / ˈtraɪ bəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the customs and beliefs of tribal life and society.

2. strong loyalty to one's own tribe, party, or group.

   the tribalism of New Yorkers.

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tribalism British  

/ ˈtraɪbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the state of existing as a separate tribe or tribes

2. the customs and beliefs of a tribal society

3. loyalty to a tribe or tribal values

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Other Word Forms

• tribalist
  noun
• tribalistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tribalism

First recorded in 1885–90; tribal + -ism

Explanation

The state of living in a tribe is tribalism. This word is also used to describe situations where people are overly loyal to their own group. For example, a newspaper editorial might complain about tribalism in American politics. This word was exclusively used to describe aspects of living in a traditional tribe until the mid-20th century, when it came to have a more derogatory meaning. Today, tribalism is often seen as putting one's own group above every other consideration, including kindness or justice. Tribalism can lead to bigotry and racism and, when taken to extremes, even war.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tribalism

In general, however, this World Cup was a feast of high-stakes athleticism and tribalism that really only gets matched in this country by the best college football rivalries and maybe March Madness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

There was also a belief in the "Nottingham way" and "tribalism" among staff groups.

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

“And, unfortunately, our tribalism is now breaking out, not only between each other, but it’s breaking out between states.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2025

I think it is because we as a species yearn for that connection as much as we have been whipped up into tribalism and propagandized into tribalism.

From Salon ● Jul. 30, 2025

Americans assume that everyone will get their tribalism.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie