Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

clique

noun \ˈklēk, ˈklik\

: a small group of people who spend time together and who are not friendly to other people

Full Definition of CLIQUE

: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes

— cliqu·ey \ˈklē-kē, ˈkli-\ adjective

— cliqu·ish \ˈkli-kish\ adjective

— cliqu·ish·ly adverb

— cliqu·ish·ness noun

See clique defined for English-language learners

See clique defined for kids

Origin of CLIQUE

French

First Known Use: 1711

Related to CLIQUE

Synonyms: body, bunch, circle, clan, gang, community, coterie, coven, crowd, fold, galère, klatch (also klatsch), lot, network, pack, ring, set

Other Sociology Terms

bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture

Rhymes with CLIQUE

beak, bleak, cheek, chic, cleek, creak, creek, Creek, eke, flic, freak, geek, gleek, Greek, keek, leak, leek, meek, peak, peek, peke, pic, pique, reek, screak, seek, sheikh, shriek, sic, Sikh, sleek, sneak, speak, squeak, steek, streak, streek, teak, tweak, weak, week

CLIQUISH Defined for Kids

clique

noun \ˈklēk, ˈklik\

Definition of CLIQUE for Kids

: a small group of friends who are not friendly to others

Learn More About CLIQUE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "clique"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "clique"

Nglish: Translation of "clique" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "clique" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: cliquelessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: clipsheetAll Words Near: clique

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up clique? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More