tribal
pronunciation
How to pronounce tribal in British English:
UK [ˈtraɪbl]
How to pronounce tribal in American English:
US [ˈtraɪbəl]
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- Adjective:
- relating to or characteristic of a tribe
Word Origin
- tribal (adj.)
- 1630s, "pertaining to or characteristic of tribes," from tribe + -al (1). Meaning "characterized by a strong sense of loyalty to one's group" is from 1951 (Arendt). As a style of belly-dance from 1999, American English. Related: Tribally.
Example
- 1. Tribal animosities and jihadist fanaticism will keep violence simmering .
- 2. Why are my tribal vases under the sink ?
- 3. They listened to tribal stories .
- 4. He has tried hardest to build a coalition across the tribal spectrum .
- 5. The governor has met tribal leaders and freed a few hundred prisoners .