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
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
Materials that are typically good at reflecting heat include metal, clay tiles, and certain reflective or light-colored asphalt shingles.
—
Sara Kendall, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024
Magnolia Ann Care These magnolias like full to part sun and loamy, moist soil, but will tolerate clay and dry areas.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 7 May 2024
Now, Rhome must move forward after voters on May 4 approved a $17.5 million bond package to replace the aging West Wastewater Treatment Plant, drill new wells and replace aging clay sewer lines.
—Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2024
The vineyard was planted just about three decades ago and has a high amount of clay soils, which aid in storing water for the vines when rain is scarce.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2024
Related Stories Founded in 2019, the Houseplant company includes a wide range of glazed clay objects, mugs, and marijuana strains tested by Seth and his co-founder, Evan Goldberg.
—Malik Peay, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2024
Objects including small clay figures and graphic T-shirts were teased on the Cactus Plant Flea Market Instagram and each piece was available for purchase.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 May 2024
The marketplace event celebrates its eighth year with ceramics, shopping, air-dry clay activities and workshops.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
Other materials found throughout the home include rift-sawn oak, cedar, Douglas fir, and clay tile in the bathroom.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 2 May 2024
Sara Kendall, Miami Herald, 7 May 2024
Magnolia Ann Care These magnolias like full to part sun and loamy, moist soil, but will tolerate clay and dry areas.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 7 May 2024
Now, Rhome must move forward after voters on May 4 approved a $17.5 million bond package to replace the aging West Wastewater Treatment Plant, drill new wells and replace aging clay sewer lines.
—Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2024
The vineyard was planted just about three decades ago and has a high amount of clay soils, which aid in storing water for the vines when rain is scarce.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2024
Related Stories Founded in 2019, the Houseplant company includes a wide range of glazed clay objects, mugs, and marijuana strains tested by Seth and his co-founder, Evan Goldberg.
—Malik Peay, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2024
Objects including small clay figures and graphic T-shirts were teased on the Cactus Plant Flea Market Instagram and each piece was available for purchase.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 May 2024
The marketplace event celebrates its eighth year with ceramics, shopping, air-dry clay activities and workshops.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
Other materials found throughout the home include rift-sawn oak, cedar, Douglas fir, and clay tile in the bathroom.
—Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 2 May 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 16 May. 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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