clique

[ klik, kleek ]

noun

1. a small, exclusive group of people; coterie; set.

verb (used without object)

, cliqued, cli·quing.

1. Informal. to form, or associate in, a clique.

clique

/ klɪk; kliːk /

noun

1. a small, exclusive group of friends or associates

Derived Forms

• ˈcliquishness, noun
• ˈcliquish, adjective
• ˈcliquishly, adverb

Other Words From

• clique·less adjective
• cli·quey cli·quy adjective
• cli·quism noun
• sub·clique noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clique¹

1705–15; < French, apparently metaphorical use of Middle French clique latch, or noun derivative of cliquer to make noise, resound, imitative word parallel to click ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of clique¹

C18: from French, perhaps from Old French: latch, from cliquer to click; suggestive of the necessity to exclude nonmembers

Synonym Study

See circle, ring ¹.

Related Words

• cabal
• clan
• coterie
• faction
• gang
• mob
• posse