plural clans
1
: a large group of people who are related
The tribe is divided into clans.
rival clans
Note: People in clans often have the same last name.
2
informal
: a large family
The whole clan gets together for the holidays.
3
informal
: a group of people who are similar or who are interested in the same thing
the country club clan [=people who are members of country clubs]
Cite this Entry
“Clan.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/clan. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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