tribalism
Americannoun
-
the customs and beliefs of tribal life and society.
-
strong loyalty to one's own tribe, party, or group.
the tribalism of New Yorkers.
noun
-
the state of existing as a separate tribe or tribes
-
the customs and beliefs of a tribal society
-
loyalty to a tribe or tribal values
Other Word Forms
- tribalist noun
- tribalistic adjective
Etymology
Origin of tribalism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And he makes a claim for the relevance of his project: “These poems rebut the parochialism and tribalism that dog our present, even as they appeal to universal experiences and values.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
As it draws to a close, Hwang’s lethal playground games are cautionary parables about tribalism driven by greed.
From Salon • Jun. 27, 2025
Before kick-off, the sounds of tribalism emerged from Everton strongholds The Blue House and The Winslow Hotel - standing directly opposite the Main Stand on Goodison Road, with its Howard Kendall Bar.
From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025
Who benefits from rigid tribalism about racial identity?
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024
Americans assume that everyone will get their tribalism.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
