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phyle

noun
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phy·​le | \ ˈfī-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce phyle (audio) \
plural phylae\ ˈfī-​(ˌ)lē How to pronounce phyle (audio) \

Definition of phyle

: the largest political subdivision among the ancient Athenians

Examples of phyle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some have promiscuously accused the red phyle of hate speech and white supremacy, rendering the terms less powerful when required to describe the real thing. — Michael Gerson, Alaska Dispatch News, "Better angels get bum’s rush as America devolves to red versus blue," 19 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phyle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of phyle

1851, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for phyle

Greek phylē tribe, phyle

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The first known use of phyle was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Phyle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phyle. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

More from Merriam-Webster on phyle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phyle

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