tribalism
Americannoun
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the customs and beliefs of tribal life and society.
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strong loyalty to one's own tribe, party, or group.
the tribalism of New Yorkers.
noun
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the state of existing as a separate tribe or tribes
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the customs and beliefs of a tribal society
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loyalty to a tribe or tribal values
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tribalism
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He also spent more time on the hunters’ painting each other’s faces as the boys descended into tribalism.
From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026
And he makes a claim for the relevance of his project: “These poems rebut the parochialism and tribalism that dog our present, even as they appeal to universal experiences and values.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
Speaking from Canterbury Cathedral, she said that "in an age that craves certainty and tribalism, Anglicanism offers something quieter but stronger".
From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025
As it draws to a close, Hwang’s lethal playground games are cautionary parables about tribalism driven by greed.
From Salon • Jun. 27, 2025
Given my feelings on tribalism, one would assume that I would have made halfhearted efforts to defend a positive view of tribalism.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
