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 project, funded by the Pala Band of Mission Indians, is expected to create more than 35 new jobs in the local community and is one of the ways the tribe is boosting local economic development and working toward tribal economic sustainability. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 Meanwhile, tribal groups with exclusive rights to offer gambling in states like California are concerned prediction markets entering their territories will upend their economies. Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 29 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 8 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!