C1nounhistorysociety
US/klæn/
UK/klæn/
a large group of families who share the same ancestor; also, informally, a big family or close group
In context
In the Scottish Highlands, each clan had its own land and leader.
The whole clan gathers at the family temple every Lunar New Year.
Disputes between rival clans made the region hard to govern.
Words that go with clan
adjective + noun
- rival clansA marriage between the two rival clans ended the feud.
- whole clanGrandma invited the whole clan to her ninetieth birthday.
- powerful clanA powerful clan controlled trade in the port for centuries.
noun + noun
- clan leaderThe clan leader settled most local arguments.
noun + preposition
- member of the clanEvery member of the clan was expected to attend the ceremony.