: 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
Charlotte Graham-McLay, Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2025
The program had also helped some small towns and tribal communities by providing technical aid in applying for highly sought after federal funds.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 5 June 2025
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
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 measures would have rewritten principles in the country’s founding document, a treaty between Māori tribal leaders and representatives of the British Crown signed at the time New Zealand was colonized.
—Charlotte Graham-McLay, Christian Science Monitor, 5 June 2025
The program had also helped some small towns and tribal communities by providing technical aid in applying for highly sought after federal funds.
—Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 5 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
Cite this Entry
“Tribal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribal. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share