Definition of tribe
1a : a social group comprising numerous families, clans, or generations together with slaves, dependents, or adopted strangersb : a political division of the Roman people originally representing one of the three original tribes of ancient Romec : phyle
2 : a group of persons having a common character, occupation, or interest
3 : a category of taxonomic classification ranking below a subfamily; also : a natural group irrespective of taxonomic rank the cat tribe the rose tribe
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Examples of tribe in a Sentence
a tribe of artists with wild hair and casual manners
the wedding joined the two tribes together
Recent Examples of tribe from the Web
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Tribe manager Terry Francona indicated that the team would monitor Kluber's pitch count.
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Four Sioux tribes in the Dakotas are still fighting in federal court in Washington, D.C., hoping to persuade a judge to shut down the line.
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Across South Sudan, accounts of government soldiers killing civilians based on their tribe are driving the country deeper into despair.
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The Quinault tribe disputed at least part of that account.
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The series finale documents how America’s diverse cultures — including the Hopi tribe, Hawaii's Joseph Kekuku, Mexican American Lydia Mendoza and the Cajun Breaux Family — have contributed to emerging musical styles.
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City officials say that the tribe is investing in an amusement park complete with roller coasters, multiple rides, and shops.
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Riders had to navigate difficult terrain, tough weather, and the tense politics between Americans and various Native tribes.
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But Burnswark was just the opening salvo in a war against the restive tribes living north of Hadrian’s Wall.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tribe'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of tribe
Middle English, from Latin tribus, a division of the Roman people, tribe
First Known Use: 13th century
Other Anthropology Terms
TRIBE Defined for English Language Learners
tribe
playDefinition of tribe for English Language Learners
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: a group of people that includes many families and relatives who have the same language, customs, and beliefs
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: a large family
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: a group of people who have the same job or interest
TRIBE Defined for Kids
tribe
playDefinition of tribe for Students
1 : a group of people including many families, clans, or generations an American Indian tribe
2 : a group of people who are of the same kind or have the same occupation or interest
Medical Dictionary
tribe
playMedical Definition of tribe
: a category of taxonomic classification sometimes equivalent to or ranking just below a suborder but more commonly ranking below a subfamily
Learn More about tribe
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See words that rhyme with tribe Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tribe Spanish Central: Translation of tribe Nglish: Translation of tribe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tribe for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tribe
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