First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
clan
noun \ˈklan\
: a large group of people who are related
: a large family
: a group of people who are similar or who are interested in the same thing
Full Definition of CLAN
1
a : a Celtic group especially in the Scottish Highlands comprising a number of households whose heads claim descent from a common ancestor b : a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor : family
2
: a group united by a common interest or common characteristics
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Origin of CLAN
Middle English, from Scottish Gaelic clann offspring, clan, from Old Irish cland plant, offspring, from Latin planta plant
Related to CLAN
Other Anthropology Terms
CLAN Defined for Kids
clan
noun \ˈklan\
Definition of CLAN for Kids
1
: a group (as in the Scottish Highlands) made up of households whose heads claim to have a common ancestor
2
: a large family
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