1
a
: a Celtic group especially in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor
the MacDonald clan
b
: a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : family
The whole clan gets together for the holidays.
2
: a group united by a common interest or common characteristics
the country club clan
Examples of clan in a Sentence
The tribe is divided into clans.
The whole clan gets together for the holidays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Take a walk to Chew Jetty, a historic waterfront settlement of stilt houses built by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century; visit Little India, with its heady, culture-melding atmosphere; or make a day doing the rounds of clan temples (Khoo Kongsi included) and Peranakan mansions.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
What could be more human than to weave a mythic narrative of self and clan around what is remembered, and the slippages of what might have been?
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
Because of their large families and the nature of their viral content, Smith and Neeleman both tend to get cited in conversations about a conservative cultural resurgence; in 2024, Nara and Lucky Blue Smith even took their kids to visit the Neeleman clan in Kamus, Utah.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026
The James clan has the chance to add another chapter to its family lore this month, thanks to Bronny's growth into a player that all of the Los Angeles Lakers can trust.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clan
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.
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
What could be more human than to weave a mythic narrative of self and clan around what is remembered, and the slippages of what might have been?
—Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
Because of their large families and the nature of their viral content, Smith and Neeleman both tend to get cited in conversations about a conservative cultural resurgence; in 2024, Nara and Lucky Blue Smith even took their kids to visit the Neeleman clan in Kamus, Utah.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 20 Apr. 2026
The James clan has the chance to add another chapter to its family lore this month, thanks to Bronny's growth into a player that all of the Los Angeles Lakers can trust.
—ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clan
Cite this Entry
“Clan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clan. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
