often attributive
1
a
: an earthy material that is plastic when moist but hard when fired, that is composed mainly of fine particles of hydrous aluminum silicates and other minerals, and that is used for brick, tile, and pottery
specifically
: soil composed chiefly of this material having particles less than a specified size
2
a
: a substance that resembles clay in plasticity and is used for modeling
b
: the human body as distinguished from the spirit
c
: fundamental nature or character
the common clay
3
Synonyms
Examples of clay in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama, Sr., 6-3, 251 The right NFL defensive coordinator could mold this premium ball of clay (a former five-star recruit) into a Pro Bowler.
—
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024
These measures include building a barrier of clay below the trash and covering the surface with soil overnight to prevent odors and blowing trash.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Much of the lake bed sits on a thick layer of clay that blocks water on the surface from percolating down to the aquifer.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Some of the most productive soils have a good balance of sand, clay and silt.
—Brian Darby, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
Angry residents blame shoddy construction for their swampy yards; the company that built them casts doubt on their claims but pledges to investigate them; government officials point to the clay soil underfoot.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2024
Essential botanical oils crafted in Maui (which are changed with the moon phases), herbs grown on site, and volcanic clay are utilized in body treatments.
—Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Kaolin clay and arrowroot powder work together to absorb any excess oil and buy you time between blowouts.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2024
Eli Noyes, a filmmaker whose use of clay and sand in stop-motion animation garnered an Oscar nomination and shaped the aesthetic of Nickelodeon and MTV during the early days of cable television, died on March 23 at his home in San Francisco.
—Michael S. Rosenwald, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024
These measures include building a barrier of clay below the trash and covering the surface with soil overnight to prevent odors and blowing trash.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Much of the lake bed sits on a thick layer of clay that blocks water on the surface from percolating down to the aquifer.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024
Some of the most productive soils have a good balance of sand, clay and silt.
—Brian Darby, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024
Angry residents blame shoddy construction for their swampy yards; the company that built them casts doubt on their claims but pledges to investigate them; government officials point to the clay soil underfoot.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2024
Essential botanical oils crafted in Maui (which are changed with the moon phases), herbs grown on site, and volcanic clay are utilized in body treatments.
—Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Kaolin clay and arrowroot powder work together to absorb any excess oil and buy you time between blowouts.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2024
Eli Noyes, a filmmaker whose use of clay and sand in stop-motion animation garnered an Oscar nomination and shaped the aesthetic of Nickelodeon and MTV during the early days of cable television, died on March 23 at his home in San Francisco.
—Michael S. Rosenwald, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clay
noun1
: an earthy material that is sticky and easily molded when wet and hard when baked
2
: a plastic substance used like clay for modeling
Biographical Definition
Clay
2 of 2biographical name (2)
Lucius Du Bi*gnon
du̇-ˈbin-yən 
1897–1978 American general
1897–1978 American general
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