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Definition of clannish

clannish

/ˈklæn.ɪʃ/
clan · nish
Adverb:clannishly
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clannish Lexical Profile

clannish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

(Of a group or its members) tending to associate closely only with one's own group while excluding outsiders.

Example

"Newcomers to the remote coastal village often found the local residents somewhat clannish and slow to warm up to strangers."

2

Relating to, characteristic of, or governed by a traditional clan.

Example

"The historian examined how clannish loyalties shaped the political alliances of the Scottish Highlands."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for clannish

• Nearby Words

clangor
clank
clanky
clannish
clansman
clap
clapback

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-18th century from 'clan' (borrowed from Scottish Gaelic 'clann', meaning 'offspring' or 'family', ultimately from Latin 'planta') plus the suffix '-ish'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clannish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clannish
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