tribal

1 of 2

adjective

trib·​al ˈtrī-bəl How to pronounce tribal (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe
tribal customs
tribally adverb

tribal

2 of 2

noun

: a member of an aboriginal people of India
usually used in plural

Examples of tribal in a Sentence

Adjective a tribal solidarity that transcends all other loyalties or bonds
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The measures would have rewritten principles in the country’s founding document, a treaty between Māori tribal leaders and representatives of the British Crown signed at the time New Zealand was colonized. Charlotte Graham-McLay, Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2025 The program had also helped some small towns and tribal communities by providing technical aid in applying for highly sought after federal funds. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 5 June 2025
Noun
The emotional heartbeat of the gang, Cancer is the one hugging people after blindsides and crying at the final tribal. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 31 May 2025 Otherwise, all bets are off — including when answering questions that Probst himself asks while talking to them during challenges or at tribals. Skyler Caruso, People.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tribal

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1632, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tribal was in 1632

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tribal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribal. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

tribal

adjective
trib·​al
ˈtrī-bəl
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe
tribally
-bə-lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tribal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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