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.

---

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

---

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

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

But yet our instinct toward nationalism and tribalism keeps us in this constant state of ‘us’ against ‘them.’

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2025

Her conundrum has lately been making me think about Daniel Shapiro's fascinating book, "Negotiating the Nonnegotiable," and his clear-eyed examination of the roles of tribalism and identity in accelerating conflict — and in ameliorating it.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2025

Prince was hoping for the best but seeing stubborn obstacles, pondering tribalism, inequality and faith all at once and wondering, “Why must I sing ‘God Bless America’ and not the rest of the world?”

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2024

Americans assume that everyone will get their tribalism.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie