clamp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklamp 

1

: a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly

2

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

clamp

2 of 2

verb

clamped; clamping; clamps

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

clamp two boards together

2

a

: to place by decree : impose

—often used with on

clamped on a curfew after the riots

b

: to hold tightly

Synonyms of clamp

Verb

• fasten
• secure
• hitch
• anchor

Examples of clamp in a Sentence

Verb

The surgeon clamped the vein.

He clamped the two pieces of wood together.

The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth.

He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The umbrella’s lower clamp securely clips onto chairs, golf clubs, strollers, and more, while the upper sun shield offers UPF 50+ protection. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

How about a bar clamp, bench vise or stud finder? — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026

Verb

The twisting barrel easily clamps to hair (without pulling) and gives you long-lasting curls for up to two days. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 June 2026

However, instead of the pilot starting the engines during pushback and the tug disconnecting afterward, TaxiBot remains attached to the nose gear via a specialized pivoting clamping platform. — David Szondy june 07, New Atlas, 7 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch *klampe; akin to Old English clamm bond, fetter — more at clam

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clamp

• C-clamp
• clamp down
• clamp down on
• clamp on
• wheel clamp

Rhymes for clamp

• amp
• champ
• cramp
• damp
• gamp
• lamp
• ramp
• samp
• scamp
• stamp
• tamp
• tramp

Kids Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

clamp

2 of 2 verb

: to fasten or tighten with or as if with a clamp

Medical Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

especially : an instrument used to hold, compress, or crush vessels and hollow organs and to aid in surgical excision of parts

an arterial clamp

clamp

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

the descending thoracic aorta was clamped

—W. A. Banks et al.