English · Family & People
clan
/klæn/
[/klæn/]
family group, kin
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A clan is a large group of families that are related and share a common ancestor.
Example
The whole clan gathered every summer at the old farmhouse for a noisy week-long reunion.
The whole clan gathered every summer at the old farmhouse for a noisy week-long reunion.
Etymology
From Scottish Gaelic 'clann' (children, offspring), from Old Irish 'cland'.
How & Where It’s Used
Strongly associated with Scottish and Irish family groups; also used loosely for any large family.