clan

[klan]

noun

1. a group of families or households, as among the Scottish Highlanders, the heads of which claim descent from a common ancestor.

   the Mackenzie clan.

2. a group of people of common descent; family.

   Our whole clan got together for Thanksgiving.

3. a group of people, as a clique, set, society, or party, especially as united by some common trait, characteristic, or interest.

   a clan of actors and directors.

4. Anthropology.

   1. the principal social unit of tribal organization, in which descent is reckoned exclusively in either the paternal or the maternal line.

   2. a group of people regarded as being descended from a common ancestor.

clan

/ klæn /

noun

1. a group of people interrelated by ancestry or marriage

2. a group of families with a common surname and a common ancestor, acknowledging the same leader, esp among the Scots and the Irish

3. a group of people united by common characteristics, aims, or interests

Other Word Forms

• clanless adjective
• interclan adjective
• subclan noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clan¹

1375–1425; late Middle English ( Scots ) < Scots Gaelic clann < Old Irish cland offspring < Latin planta scion, plant, perhaps directly < British Celtic; compare Welsh plant children

Word History and Origins

Origin of clan¹

C14: from Scottish Gaelic clann family, descendants, from Latin planta sprout, _plant ¹

Example Sentences

The charity said it wanted to focus on giving grants to "clan and indigenous Highland heritage projects".

From BBC

Meanwhile, the rest of the Kelce clan is just delighted, delighted, delighted by recent events, because, according to a People source, Swift is still the bomb.

From Los Angeles Times

JFK’s father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., had visited the company’s headquarters in Massachusetts — home to the Kennedy clan — where he purchased several items.

From Los Angeles Times

But Friday's verdict has brought some relief to the clan and their supporters.

From BBC

Claire’s parents, though never divided by warring clans, have just as romantic a backstory.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• band 
• faction 
• gang 
• mob 
• sect 
• society 
• tribe