trib·al | \ ˈtrī-bəl 
\
\Definition of tribal
(Entry 1 of 2)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe tribal customs
tribal
nounDefinition of tribal (Entry 2 of 2)
: a member of an aboriginal people of India
—usually used in plural
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Other Words from tribal
Adjective
tribally \ ˈtrī-bə-lē \ adverb
\ adverbSynonyms & Antonyms for tribal
Synonyms: Adjective
Antonyms: Adjective
- nonracial
Examples of tribal in a Sentence
Adjective
a tribal solidarity that transcends all other loyalties or bonds
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Though tribal communities have been disproportionately ravaged by COVID-19 nationwide, Passes is not alone in her reluctance.
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Jessica Flores, USA TODAY, "Coronavirus updates: Unemployment benefits expire for millions of Americans; more infectious UK strain edges closer to US," 28 Dec. 2020 That has particularly affected local tribal communities, including the Quinault Indian Nation, the Quileute Nation, and the Makah Tribe, who rely on fishing and shellfish harvests.
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Sara Harrison, Wired, "A Unique Alliance Could Help Warn Us of Toxic Algae," 23 Dec. 2020 If nominated, Haaland would also be the first Native American to lead the Department of the Interior—a potent historical move, given the department’s troubled history with tribal communities.
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Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Biden Is Finding New and Inexplicable Ways to Screw Up His Cabinet Picks," 10 Dec. 2020 The National Congress of American Indians has said there's a critical need for data that is accurate, meaningful and timely within tribal communities.
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Star Tribune, "Native Americans critique data, surveys following election," 6 Dec. 2020 Now, 130,000 customers may be literally left in the dark -- including five tribal communities -- as early as Monday.
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Julia Musto, Fox News, "Calif. utility could leave 130,000 without power to curb extreme fire risk," 6 Dec. 2020 The shut-offs could affect more than 130,000 customers in 15 counties and five tribal communities, the utility said.
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Chronicle Staff Report, SFChronicle.com, "PG&E warns of possible power shut-offs in 15 counties Monday," 4 Dec. 2020 The award recognized his efforts to promote girls' education at the school, whose pupils are mostly from tribal communities.
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Sara Spary And Manveena Suri, CNN, "Indian village schoolteacher wins $1 million global prize -- and gives half to the runners-up," 4 Dec. 2020 Government entities and nonprofits from Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Linn, Lincoln and Marion counties and tribal communities impacted by the wildfires are allowed to apply for the grants.
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Jamie Goldberg, oregonlive, "Oregon wants to buy motels to house the homeless, including people displaced by wildfires, but applications slow to arrive," 3 Dec. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020 Who wouldn't look good with a tribal across the back, on a shoulder or around the bicep?
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Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Need a break from the news? Find a moment of peace with this quarantine quiz 4-pack," 5 June 2020
See MoreThese 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.
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More Definitions for tribal
tribal
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of tribal
: of or relating to a tribe or tribes
See the full definition for tribal in the English Language Learners Dictionary
tribal
adjectivetrib·al | \ ˈtrī-bəl \
\Kids Definition of tribal
: relating to a tribe
a tribal custom
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Comments on tribal
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Time Traveler for tribal
The first known use of tribal was in 1632
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