tribal

American  

[trahy-buhl] / ˈtraɪ bəl /

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.

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ˈtribal British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of tribal

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

Example Sentences

The hat rests now above the window in Hammel-Sawyer’s living room, except when she wears it to tribal events.

From Los Angeles Times

The self-declared nation relies on tribal sources to gather information on the militants but lacks access to more high-tech reconnaissance and interception technologies of the type Israel could provide.

From The Wall Street Journal

This policy evokes painful memories for my people, a tribal sovereign nation in Oregon.

From The Wall Street Journal

A military official in Hadramawt told AFP that the tribal leader had left the area after the fighting.

From Barron's

“In addition to financial markets, sports contracts will be available across baseball, basketball, football, and hockey in states where online sports betting is not yet legal, except on tribal lands,” the release said.

From Barron's