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
In 2016, case information was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, and a facial reconstruction was made of clay.
—
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 30 May 2024
Each piece features both artists’ signature materials of clay and wood: To showcase Kaplan’s handmade tiles, Patti carved out pathways and sections in white oak that accommodate the inlay details.
—Chris Schalkx Coco Romack Jinnie Lee Jamie Sims Zoe Ruffner Roxanne Fequiere, New York Times, 30 May 2024
An analysis of the clay and other materials used to make the pottery suggests it was likely made on the island.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 May 2024
The uranium deposit lies some two to five miles below the surface and is sandwiched between two thick layers of clay.
—TIME, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay 
Kerry Breen, CBS News, 30 May 2024
Each piece features both artists’ signature materials of clay and wood: To showcase Kaplan’s handmade tiles, Patti carved out pathways and sections in white oak that accommodate the inlay details.
—Chris Schalkx Coco Romack Jinnie Lee Jamie Sims Zoe Ruffner Roxanne Fequiere, New York Times, 30 May 2024
An analysis of the clay and other materials used to make the pottery suggests it was likely made on the island.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 May 2024
The uranium deposit lies some two to five miles below the surface and is sandwiched between two thick layers of clay.
—TIME, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay
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 Jun. 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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