Tribe: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to refer to a group of people, typically indigenous, who share a common culture, language, and history. It can sometimes have a negative or exoticizing connotation.

• The tribe lived in the forest and had unique customs.
• Anthropologists studied the tribe's traditions and social structures.

Used to describe a group of people connected by kinship, often used in a historical or familial context, particularly in reference to Scottish or Irish culture.

• He belongs to the famous MacGregor clan.
• The clans gathered for the annual family reunion.

Refers to any group of people living in the same area or sharing a common interest or goal. This term is neutral and versatile, used in many contexts.

• The local community organized a clean-up event.
• She found a sense of belonging in her new community.

Describes people who identify with each other based on common ancestral, social, cultural, or national experiences. It is a neutral term often used in sociological, anthropological, and demographic contexts.

• The country is home to many different ethnic groups.
• The survey aimed to understand the cultural practices of various ethnic groups.