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
Examples of clay in a Sentence
had the feeling that the natives were of a different clay than us and that neither side would ever understand the other
Recent Examples on the Web
To stand here is to feel shock, cruelty and despair emanating from the red clay of north Georgia.
—
Keith Sharon, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
There’s an energy in those rooms — messy, focused, and alive — as students mix paint colors, shape clay, and debate whether a line should be thicker or thinner.
—Gale Brewer, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
That’s why a fine textured soil, like clay, drains more poorly than does a coarse, sandy soil.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Apr. 2026
The young woman who sojourned to Oberlin College, where she was wrongfully accused of poisoning her classmates and beaten half to death, who raised her hands in defense of herself, then went on to grip clay and rock and chisel to re-create visions of justice.
—Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Keith Sharon, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
There’s an energy in those rooms — messy, focused, and alive — as students mix paint colors, shape clay, and debate whether a line should be thicker or thinner.
—Gale Brewer, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026
That’s why a fine textured soil, like clay, drains more poorly than does a coarse, sandy soil.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Apr. 2026
The young woman who sojourned to Oberlin College, where she was wrongfully accused of poisoning her classmates and beaten half to death, who raised her hands in defense of herself, then went on to grip clay and rock and chisel to re-create visions of justice.
—Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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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