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.

Example Sentences

Unlike legacy media, where similar outlets are viewed as competition, podcasters often treat each other as part of a larger community, or "clique."

From Salon

Though Fernandez said that he too had a tattoo of the warrior image, he said his was not numbered — as some deputy clique tattoos are — and that he does not consider himself a member of the Gladiators.

From Los Angeles Times

The newly reported group, which is not named in the memo, is based out of the Los Angeles CountySheriff’s Department’s Norwalk station, which had not previously been linked to any reported deputy gang or clique.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, he said he chose to use the “neutral term ‘subgroup’” because he had “insufficient information to conclude whether the group of deputies at the Norwalk Station associating under this symbol constitute a clique or deputy gang.”

From Los Angeles Times

“To eradicate this deeply embedded deputy clique culture requires a clear policy banning them,” he said, “and a clear message from the Sheriff that they will no longer be tolerated.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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