clan

noun

ˈklan 

1

a

: a Celtic group especially in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor

the MacDonald clan

b

: a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : family

The whole clan gets together for the holidays.

2

: a group united by a common interest or common characteristics

the country club clan

Synonyms of clan

• clique
• community
• crowd
• network
• circle
• pack
• bunch
• gang
• coven
• tribe
• organization

Examples of clan in a Sentence

The tribe is divided into clans.

The whole clan gets together for the holidays.

Recent Examples on the Web

Askin was born into the Durst clan — the grandson of founder Joseph Durst — and sold commercial real estate for years in the family name. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 28 Nov. 2025

The 1988 action classic starring her husband as reluctant hero John McClane is essential Yuletide viewing for the Willis clan, regardless of any arguments over the film's suitability for the season. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Nov. 2025

In April 2025, the series came to an end with an emotional sendoff that emphasized the Conner clan’s generational connection, strength and resilience. —Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

For the Bush Hager clan, the 'ol Disney magic doesn't always enchant. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Scottish Gaelic clann offspring, clan, from Old Irish cland plant, offspring, from Latin planta plant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing clan

• inter-clan
• sub-clan

Rhymes for clan

• an
• ban
• bran
• can
• cann
• duan
• fan
• flan
• gran
• jann
• klan
• lan

Kids Definition

clan

noun

ˈklan 

1

a

: a group (as in the Scottish Highlands) made up of households whose heads claim to have a common ancestor

b

: a group of people having a common ancestor : family

2

: a group of persons united by a common interest

the whole clan of actors