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
Findings show that the strength, appearance, and overall technical performance of the clay bricks will remain consistent, ensuring that sustainability gains are achieved without compromising performance standards.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
Rich earth tones—clay, sand, and khaki—feel modern right now, offering a polished, understated alternative to traditional blue.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
Separate natural gas explosions in January 2024 that destroyed two homes in Jackson, Mississippi resulted from underground pipes pulling loose from their fittings as spongy clay soil expanded and contracted with rainfall, according to a federal report released Thursday.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
As for his own tennis trajectory, Sinner said the most important thing is to keep improving — especially with the clay season approaching after Miami.
—Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026
Rich earth tones—clay, sand, and khaki—feel modern right now, offering a polished, understated alternative to traditional blue.
—Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2026
Separate natural gas explosions in January 2024 that destroyed two homes in Jackson, Mississippi resulted from underground pipes pulling loose from their fittings as spongy clay soil expanded and contracted with rainfall, according to a federal report released Thursday.
—ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
As for his own tennis trajectory, Sinner said the most important thing is to keep improving — especially with the clay season approaching after Miami.
—Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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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