VocabDictionary

klan

/klæn/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A secret society or organization, most notably the Ku Klux Klan, characterized by white supremacist, xenophobic, and extremist ideologies.

Example Sentences:
  • The community organized a protest to denounce the presence of the klan in their town.
  • Historical records document the violent influence the klan exerted on local politics during the early 20th century.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “klan”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

A variant spelling of 'clan,' specifically associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The term 'Ku Klux' is derived from the Greek word 'kuklos' (circle), combined with the Scottish Gaelic 'clann' (children/family), reflecting the organization's self-styled identity as a secret fraternal order.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of the 'K's as standing for a 'Kindred of Kriminals' to remember the negative, exclusionary nature of the group.

Frequently Asked Questions About “klan

1. What is the meaning of “klan” in English?

In English, klan (noun) is defined as: “A secret society or organization, most notably the Ku Klux Klan, characterized by white supremacist, xenophobic, and extremist ideologies.”.

2. How do you use “klan” in a sentence?

The community organized a protest to denounce the presence of the klan in their town.

3. What are English synonyms of “klan”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “klan”?

A variant spelling of 'clan,' specifically associated with the Ku Klux Klan. The term 'Ku Klux' is derived from the Greek word 'kuklos' (circle), combined with the Scottish Gaelic 'clann' (children/family), reflecting the organization's self-styled identity as a secret fraternal order.