tribe

Everyday

1. A tribe is a group of families and people who share the same ancestors, language, customs and way of life, often with their own leader. tree →
2. (Bible) The tribes of Israel were the twelve family groups said to come from the twelve sons of Jacob. tree →
3. (informal) A tribe is any big group of people who belong together or like the same things, such as fans or a large family. tree →
4. (science) In biology, a tribe is a group of related plants or animals. tree →

In the lessons

In history and geography, pupils learn about tribes of ancient Britain, Native American nations and First Nations, Aboriginal peoples, and Māori iwi. In RE, the twelve tribes of Israel. In everyday talk, «a tribe of kids» means many children. Phrases: «tribal», «the twelve tribes», «a tribe of».

Examples

• The Iceni were a tribe in ancient Britain led by Queen Boudica. tree →
• Each tribe had its own chief and customs. tree →
• The Bible tells of the twelve tribes of Israel. tree →
• Our cousins arrived like a whole tribe, loud and hungry. tree →
• Football fans are a tribe of their own. tree →
• Many Native American peoples prefer to be called nations rather than tribes. tree →
• Lions, tigers and other big cats belong to the same tribe of cats in biology. tree →
• Let us now go back to our tribe. tree →

Note

Countable: a tribe, tribes; adjective «tribal». Be careful and respectful: many peoples prefer their own names (nation, iwi, First Nation, people), and «tribe» can sound old-fashioned or rude when used about whole countries. The informal sense («my tribe») is friendly.

In Jewish tradition

The twelve tribes descend from Jacob's sons, and each had its own leader and land, except Levi, who served as priests and helpers in the Tabernacle.

Interpretation. Tradition counts the twelve tribes as one people, and each tribe has its own character and blessing from Jacob.

Examples

• Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori. (Torah NUM.13.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. (Torah NUM.13.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph. (Torah NUM.13.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• These were the captains of the tribes of Israel. (Writings 1CH.27.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• Return for Thy servants' sake, the tribes of Thine inheritance. (Prophets ISA.63.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which He loved. (Writings PSA.78.68, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a tribe, tribes; adjective «tribal». Be careful and respectful: many peoples prefer their own names (nation, iwi, First Nation, people), and «tribe» can sound old-fashioned or rude when used about whole countries. The informal sense («my tribe») is friendly.