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.
She’s also noticed that declining emphasis on the Western canon of literature has brought on a new, bookish tribalism.
From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026
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
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
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
But seeing Frank and his wife began to undermine my parochialism and loosen the hold of the tribalism that still imprisoned me.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
