Word
clan
US/ˈkɫæn/
UK/klˈæn/
Definitions
01family group
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large group of families who are related to each other, especially in historical or traditional societies.
n. a traditional social unit consisting of families claiming descent from a common ancestor, often found in tribal or historical contexts.
“The different clans gathered once a year to discuss territory and trade.”
“Anthropologists studied how the various clans maintained their distinct identities through unique oral histories and marriage customs.”
02Scottish history
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a traditional group of families in the Scottish Highlands led by a chief.
n. a specific social structure in the Scottish Highlands consisting of families with a common surname and a hereditary chieftain.
“He was proud of his ancestors who belonged to a famous Scottish clan.”
“The historical exhibition detailed the complex alliances and bitter feuds that defined the major Highland clans during the eighteenth century.”
Synonyms
03close-knit group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. a group of people who spend a lot of time together because they share the same interests.
n. a close-knit group of people with a strong common interest or identity, often used metaphorically for social or professional circles.
“The whole clan of tech enthusiasts met up at the conference every summer.”
“The local political scene was dominated by a small clan of influential families who had controlled the council for decades.”
04gaming team
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing Slang
n. a group of people who play together as a team in online video games.
n. an organised group of players who regularly play together in multiplayer online games, often competing against other groups.
“He joined a top-tier clan to compete in the international gaming tournament.”
“The clan's reputation grew as they consistently defeated rival teams in the seasonal rankings.”
Real-World Examples
“A clan meeting may instead hand the land to a male relative.” “Back then, Dufi explained, there existed a clan named after the Cacambra bird.” Etymology
Borrowed from Irish clann (“offspring, children of the family”) and Scottish Gaelic clann, both from Old Irish cland, borrowed from Old Welsh plant, itself borrowed from Latin planta (“shoot, offspring”). Doublet of plant and planta.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/clan