clan Hear it!

clan Definition

clan (klan)

noun

  1. an early form of social group, as in the Scottish Highlands, composed of several families claiming descent from a common ancestor, bearing the same family name, and following the same chieftain
  2. in certain primitive societies, a tribal division, usually exogamous, of matrilineal or patrilineal descent from a common ancestor
  3. a group of people with interests in common; clique; set
  4. Informal family (sense )

Etymology: Gael & Ir clann, cland, offspring, tribe < L planta, offshoot: see plant

clan Synonyms

clan

n.

clan Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • compete: I will give news about the competing clans in the cup soon.
  • join: The only way to get a good bit of team play going is to join a clan or group up with some mates.
  • neighbor: James Stewart of Ardvorlich had been at odds with some several of the neighboring clans but had always managed to avoid them.

Adjective modifier

  • rival: Somalia no longer has a central government, but is divided up between rival clans, warring over ownership of land and resources.
  • Scottish: He then continued a guerilla war against the English in the name of King John, with the support of the Scottish clans.
  • skilled: I've had to stop a good number of players from joining lower skilled clans this week.
  • friendly: Hi were a friendly clan that like to play other friendly clans of any skill.
  • entire: They were large feasts with music and dancing, and the entire clan was invited.

Modifies a noun

  • tartan: One example of Scott's poetic license was his invention of the idea of clan tartans.
  • chieftain: The clan chieftains pitted their pipers against those of other clans and the prestige that came from success was considerable.
  • crest: The Clan Crest Quaich The Clan Crest Quaich is a classic quaich with a clan crest transfer fired into the center of the bowl.
  • feud: By following the loch side road you reach the ruins of Strome Castle destroyed in a clan feud in 1603.
  • chief: Brodie Castle, now restored, is the seat of the clan chief.
  • rivalry: The idea of clan rivalry is vital to the natural flow of the storyline.

Noun used with modifier

  • ninja: I'd like you to join me in forming our own FJ ninja clan.
  • samurai: You are the daimyo of one of the greatest samurai clans.
  • gaming: I'm hoping to build a website/forum for a gaming clan that I will be a part of.
  • Gypsy: In days gone by Yetholm was associated with a family called the Faas, who were the principal Gypsy clan of the Border Country.
  • ruling: Two, give him an alternative for safe passage at the same time; this may create a crack in the ruling class clan.
  • badger: What we do know is that some of the badger clans are almost transient, possibly nomadic!

Browse dictionary entries near clan

  1. clamshell
  2. clams casino
  3. clampdown
  4. clamp
  5. clamorous
  6. clamor
  7. clammy
  8. clamber
  9. clambake
  10. clamant
  1. clandestine
  2. clang
  3. clanger
  4. clangor
  5. clank
  6. clannish
  7. clansman
  8. clanswoman
  9. clap
  10. clapboard