Definition of tribal
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe
- tribal customs
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Examples of tribal in a Sentence
a tribal solidarity that transcends all other loyalties or bonds
Recent Examples of tribal from the Web
-
Part of the problem is that the question of what to do with existing nuclear plants gets tangled up in all sorts of peripheral arguments, many of which involve strong tribal loyalties.
-
That was the sentiment reiterated by everyone in the room — from the mayors and council members from all six cities, tribal leaders, county politicians and federal government personnel.
-
In a typical example, pro-Assad tribal leaders were wheeled out once the offensive got going to plead with civilians and fighters from their home region, Marj, to abandon the rebels.
-
The former Montana congressman met with tribal leaders during a 24-hour road trip across Washington that also proved significant for Zinke’s show of support — on Friday in Skagit County — for grizzly-bear recovery in the North Cascades.
-
The tribal leaders spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
-
How have propositions easily tested by evidence become retooled as oaths of tribal loyalty, not only impervious to counter-evidence but positively reveling in it?
-
But tribal leaders say no building will start until a dispute with federal regulators over the expansion is resolved.
-
Alloush and other Arab tribal leaders were instrumental in negotiating a deal with the remnants of IS to evacuate the city after they were squeezed into a small sliver of land.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tribal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of tribal
1632
Definition of tribal
: a member of an aboriginal people of India
—usually used in plural
Recent Examples of tribal from the Web
-
Being openly tribal has served Scott Pruitt well so far in his career, earning him the iron-clad support of industry, the far right, and Donald Trump alike.
-
At Ghost Island, Kellyn was offered a 50/50 chance at a secret advantage but declined as there was also a 50/50 chance at losing her vote in the next tribal.
-
Think to yourself: Does the actual name on the costume packaging say 'tribal,' or 'traditional'?
-
Howard Dickstein, a Sacramento tribal-law attorney who has been closely following the case, noted that continued challenges could delay the casino from opening.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tribal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of tribal
1953
TRIBAL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of tribal for English Language Learners
-
: of or relating to a tribe or tribes
TRIBAL Defined for Kids
Definition of tribal for Students
: relating to a tribe
- a tribal custom
Learn More about tribal
-
See words that rhyme with tribal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tribal Spanish Central: Translation of tribal Nglish: Translation of tribal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tribal for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up tribal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
