clamp

1 of 2

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The problem is that the clamp has an enormous, heavy battery compartment to house the three AAA batteries this light takes. Simon Hill, Wired News, 29 July 2025 The Flow 2 Pro’s clamp expands to hold phones ranging from 0.27 to 0.39 inches thick and 2.52 to 3.31 inches wide. Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 23 July 2025
Verb
Installing the device is as simple as clamping the mount onto the seat tube, clamping the power meter itself onto the chain, then connecting the power meter to the mount … no subsequent calibration is necessary. New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2025 Miami once again clamped up the Lions’ offense, leading to a 21-yard Jason Sanders field goal on the subsequent drive that pushed the Dolphins’ lead to 24-17. Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clamp

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

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clamp was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Clamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamp. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun
: 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
: 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 clampedW. A. Banks et al.

More from Merriam-Webster on clamp

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