1
: a group with which one feels a sense of solidarity or community of interests compare out-group
2
: clique

Examples of in-group in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jokes create in-groups and out-groups of those who are laughing and those who are not. Lisa Hagen, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025 There is a natural human tendency to have inherent negative feelings toward people who aren’t part of your in-group. Julia Standefer, The Conversation, 14 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of in-group was in 1907

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In-group.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-group. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on in-group

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