tribesman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, anthropological, historical, sometimes journalistic. Often used in descriptive or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “tribesman” mean?
A male member of a tribe, particularly in societies organized along tribal lines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A male member of a tribe, particularly in societies organized along tribal lines.
Can refer to a person who demonstrates strong loyalty to a particular group, faction, or ideological community, often implying a traditional or insular worldview.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties. The concept is more frequently encountered in British English in historical contexts related to the former Empire (e.g., tribesmen of the North-West Frontier). American English may use it more in anthropological or specific contexts (e.g., Native American tribes).
Connotations
Neutral in academic use. Can carry a slightly archaic or colonial-era feel if used outside of specific technical contexts. May be perceived as 'othering' if used to describe contemporary groups.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in historical, anthropological, geopolitical, or certain travel writing contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tribesman” in a Sentence
[tribesman + from + LOCATION][tribesman + of + TRIBE NAME][ADJECTIVE + tribesman]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tribesman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. Potentially metaphorical: "He's a real tribesman when it comes to the old marketing department—very loyal to his clique."
Academic
Common in anthropology, history, sociology, and post-colonial studies. E.g., "The role of the tribesman in pastoral economies."
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in news reports or documentaries about remote communities. "The documentary showed the tribesmen hunting with traditional spears."
Technical
Used precisely in anthropology/ethnography to denote a male member of a socially defined tribe, often with specific kinship and political structures.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tribesman”
- Using 'tribesman' for a female member (use 'tribeswoman' or 'tribe member').
- Using it in a derogatory or simplistic way for complex modern societies.
- Incorrect plural: 'tribesmans' (correct: 'tribesmen').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it specifically refers to a male member of a tribe. For a female, 'tribeswoman' is used. For gender-neutral references, 'tribe member' or 'member of the tribe' is recommended.
Yes, but cautiously. It is appropriate when referring to communities that identify as tribes. However, using it for complex modern societies can be reductive or offensive. Journalistic and academic style guides often advise precision.
The plural is 'tribesmen'. The word follows the same pattern as 'man' to 'men'.
It is a neutral technical term in anthropology. Its acceptability depends entirely on context. Using it to describe contemporary groups without their self-identification as a 'tribe', or using it with a colonial-era tone, can be problematic. 'Indigenous community member' or specific group names are often more respectful.
A male member of a tribe, particularly in societies organized along tribal lines.
Tribesman is usually formal, anthropological, historical, sometimes journalistic. often used in descriptive or academic contexts rather than casual conversation. in register.
Tribesman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪbz.mən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪbz.mən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms use 'tribesman'. Related concept: 'tribal loyalty'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRIBE of men. A TRIBESMAN belongs to the TRIBE.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRIBE IS A FAMILY / UNIT (hence clansman, kinsman). MODERN ORGANIZATIONAL LOYALTY IS TRIBALISM (e.g., "corporate tribesman").
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate context for the word 'tribesman'?