coterie

[ koh-tuh-ree ]

noun

1. a group of people who associate closely.
2. an exclusive group; clique.
3. a group of prairie dogs occupying a communal burrow.

coterie

/ ˈkəʊtərɪ /

noun

1. a small exclusive group of friends or people with common interests; clique

Word History and Origins

Origin of coterie¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from French, Middle French: “an association of tenant farmers,” from Medieval Latin coter(ius) cotter ² + -ie -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of coterie¹

C18: from French, from Old French: association of tenants, from cotier (unattested) cottager, from Medieval Latin cotārius cotter ²; see cot ²

Synonym Study

See circle.

Example Sentences

The U.N. expanded beyond its initial coterie of mostly Western states to include dozens of countries, including in the Arab and Muslim world, that did not recognize Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

There, Cohn will send over one of his boy toys to invite Donald to dine with him at his table with his coterie of gangster clients.

From Los Angeles Times

Clarke is on a winless run that has stretched to seven games and he's in danger of losing a coterie of important players to injury ahead of the Euros, but he remains a rock.

From BBC

The former president has hired a coterie of lawyers for his various cases.

From BBC

By being uniquely herself, the singer has amassed a coterie of prominent admirers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cadre