B2noun2K

Tribe

UK /["/traɪb/"]/US /["/traɪb/"]/

Definition

a social group in a traditional society consisting of people with the same language, culture, religion, etc., living in a particular area and often having one leader known as a chief

In simple words: A group of people who live together and share the same culture.

Examples

  • They were a nomadic horse-riding tribe.
  • The dancers are all members of the Tembu tribe.
  • They recruited the toughest soldiers from the desert tribes.
  • We spoke to Umbara, the headman of the Ywin tribe.
  • He had a sudden outburst against the whole tribe of actors.
  • a tribe of cats
  • One or two of the grandchildren will be there, but not the whole tribe.

Usage notes

Often used in social sciences and anthropology. Avoid using it in a pejorative or dismissive context. In modern usage, it can also refer to close-knit groups, like friends or colleagues.

Grammar pattern

tribe + noun (e.g. tribe of warriors)

Memory hint

Think of 'tribe' as 'try-b' — 'try' to bond with your 'b'rothers.

Collocations

  • aboriginal
  • indigenous
  • native
  • belong to
  • a member of a tribe

Synonyms

  • clan
  • community
  • society
  • group
  • band

Antonyms

  • individual
  • loner

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'clan' – a clan can be smaller or more specific than a tribe.
  • Using it to describe unrelated groups – 'tribe' usually implies a shared culture or background.
  • Mixing up singular and plural forms – the plural is 'tribes', not 'tribes'.