# tribal

/ˈtɹaɪbəɫ/ (US) · /tɹˈaɪbəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tribal
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. relating to a tribe

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to a group of people who share the same language, history, and customs.

For teachers: relating to or characteristic of a tribe or tribes as a social unit.

- The museum has a large collection of tribal masks from West Africa.
- The researchers spent years documenting the tribal customs and oral histories of the indigenous communities in the Amazon basin.

### 2. group loyalty

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

showing very strong loyalty to your own group, especially in politics.

For teachers: characterized by strong, often unquestioning loyalty to one's own social or political group.

- Modern politics can feel very tribal when people refuse to listen to other views.
- The rise of social media has intensified tribal divisions, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to find common ground on national issues.

### 3. design style

adjective · CEFR B2

using patterns or styles that look like traditional art from indigenous people.

For teachers: incorporating aesthetic designs or motifs associated with indigenous or traditional cultures.

- He decided to get a tribal tattoo on his upper arm.
- The fashion designer's latest collection features bold tribal patterns inspired by traditional textiles from the South Pacific.

### 4. member of a tribe

noun · CEFR C1 · Dialect

a person who belongs to a tribe.

For teachers: a member of a tribe, particularly used in the context of the indigenous peoples of India.

- The government is working on new laws to protect the land of the tribals.
- The conference brought together several tribals from the northeastern states to discuss the preservation of their linguistic heritage.

Usage: Commonly used in Indian English to refer to members of Scheduled Tribes.

## Examples

- The museum displays many ancient tribal masks.
- Modern politics often feels very tribal, with people refusing to listen to anyone outside their own social circle.
- While the study initially focused on ancient migration patterns, it eventually addressed how tribal identities continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region today.

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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.