clan

noun

1
a
: a Celtic group especially in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor
the MacDonald clan
b
: a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : family
The whole clan gets together for the holidays.
2
: a group united by a common interest or common characteristics
the country club clan

Examples of clan in a Sentence

The tribe is divided into clans. The whole clan gets together for the holidays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rejoining the cast are the likes of Cillian Murphy, Stephen Graham and Sophie Rundle, who played Ada, sister to Oscar-winner Murphy’s Birmingham clan leader Tommy Shelby. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 As these developments intensify, the Chenoweth clan is forced to shelter with their neighbors. Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024 All told, the Kushner clan is worth an estimated $7.1 billion—up from $1.8 billion in 2016. Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 The Combs clan comprises seven children, with Love being the youngest. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clan 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Scottish Gaelic clann offspring, clan, from Old Irish cland plant, offspring, from Latin planta plant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of clan was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near clan

Cite this Entry

“Clan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clan. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

clan

noun
1
a
: a group (as in the Scottish Highlands) made up of households whose heads claim to have a common ancestor
b
: a group of people having a common ancestor : family
2
: a group of persons united by a common interest
the whole clan of actors

More from Merriam-Webster on clan

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