Etymology Map
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Tribe

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a social group sharing customs and ancestry

Where does the word "tribe" come from? It comes from Latin tribus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
tribus
Latin · ancient
"tribe"
one of the three original divisions of the Roman people
2
Stage 2 of 3
tribu
Old French · medieval
"tribe"
used for the twelve tribes of Israel
3
Stage 3 of 3
tribe
English · 1200s
"tribe"
modern anthropology broadened it
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Read the full story

Tribe’s story begins in Latin: tribus meant “tribe.” One of the three original divisions of the Roman people. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tribu. Used for the twelve tribes of Israel. It reached English by 1200s as tribe. Modern anthropology broadened it. Today, tribe means a social group sharing customs and ancestry.