clammy

adjective

clam·​my ˈkla-mē 

clammier; clammiest

1

: being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool

cold clammy hands

clammy air

2

: lacking normal human warmth

the clammy atmosphere of an institution

clammily

ˈkla-mə-lē 

adverb

clamminess

ˈkla-mē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• icy
• cold
• chilly
• frigid
• brittle
• cool

Examples of clammy in a Sentence

His hand was cold and clammy.

after a clammy handshake, the two bitter rivals squared off for a no-holds-barred debate

Recent Examples on the Web

The air was clammy and stifling. —Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025

One clammy hand grips the wheel. —Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025

Signs of dehydration can include dry mouth, the inability to produce tears and clammy skin. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025

Symptoms include excessive sweating, clammy skin, headache, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, weakness, nausea, lightheadedness, and mood changes. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from clammen to smear, stick, from Old English clǣman; akin to Old English clǣg clay

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clammy

• chamois
• grammy
• mammy
• sami
• sammie
• sammy
• tammy

Kids Definition

clammy

adjective

clam·​my ˈklam-ē 

clammier; clammiest

: being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool

clamminess noun

Medical Definition

clammy

adjective

clam·​my ˈklam-ē 

clammier; clammiest

: being moist and sticky

a patient in shock may be cold and clammy

—Emergency Medicine

clammy sweating