tribal

[ trahy-buhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe:

   tribal customs in Indonesia.

2. designating, characterized by, or relating to a strong sense of loyalty to one’s own tribe, party, or group:

   Tribal politics can be divisive and counterproductive.

ˈtribal

/ ˈtraɪbəl /

adjective

1. of or denoting a tribe or tribes

   tribal chiefs in northern Yemen

2. displaying loyalty to a tribe, group, or tribal values

   the tribal loyalties of Labour MPs

Derived Forms

• ˈtribally, adverb

Other Words From

• tribal·ly adverb
• non·tribal adjective
• quasi-tribal adjective
• sub·tribal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribal¹

First recorded in 1625–35; tribe + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The Indigenous people called their homeland Payahuunadü, “the place where the water always flows,” said Kathy Bancroft, tribal historic preservation officer for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe.

From Los Angeles Times

Decades after city employees and the Fire Department destroyed an estimated 197 homes on tribal land in downtown Palm Springs, the settlement package aims to address historical injustices for the families of Section 14, as the area is known, and their descendants, the city said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Agua Caliente were unable to develop their land until the late 1950s due to federal laws, according to the city, so tribal landowners leased plots to Black and Latino workers who were excluded from much of the rest of the city by racist real estate covenants and lending practices.

From Los Angeles Times

When federal legislators eased tribal land restrictions in 1959, allowing for 99-year leases, the city and tribal land owners had an opportunity to address health concerns in the area — and cash in on the land.

From Los Angeles Times

In the current climate of social media debate, 24/7 punditry and tribal fandom, it will provide fuel for the conspiracy theorists who believe that any decision made against their team is provoked by a grudge, personal bias or dislike of their particular club.

From BBC