# clan

/ˈkɫæn/ (US) · /klˈæn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clan
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. family group

noun · CEFR B2

a large group of families who are related to each other, especially in historical or traditional societies.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. Scottish history

noun · CEFR B2

a traditional group of families in the Scottish Highlands led by a chief.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. close-knit group

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a group of people who spend a lot of time together because they share the same interests.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. gaming team

noun · CEFR B1 · Slang

a group of people who play together as a team in online video games.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The entire clan gathered for a huge dinner.
- In the Scottish Highlands, each clan traditionally wore a specific tartan pattern to show their family identity.
- The political landscape was dominated by a few powerful clans whose influence stretched back several generations through strategic marriages and land ownership.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.