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
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
Many clay face masks are approved for all skin types and can be a spa-like gift for someone who loves skin care.
—
Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
Quicksand is a muddy mixture of sand, water and sometimes clay that forms from rising groundwater.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
The clay, earth, concrete or sand coverings are no match for the increasingly powerful weather events.
—Cynthia Palmer, Time, 9 Dec. 2025
Puzzling presence of stones The fossil contained a large mass of over 800 tiny stones and clay balls lodged in its esophagus (throat).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
Quicksand is a muddy mixture of sand, water and sometimes clay that forms from rising groundwater.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025
The clay, earth, concrete or sand coverings are no match for the increasingly powerful weather events.
—Cynthia Palmer, Time, 9 Dec. 2025
Puzzling presence of stones The fossil contained a large mass of over 800 tiny stones and clay balls lodged in its esophagus (throat).
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
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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