clay

noun

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
b
: earth, mud
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
clayey adjective
clayish adjective
claylike adjective

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 Heavy clay soil can cause misshapen bulbs while poor drainage encourages rot. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024 Watching kids create art is a humbling and joyful experience — like peering into another realm filled with the wonder of first discovery and the knowledge that wet clay is a world unto itself. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024 In Victorian-era England (roughly from the 1830s through 1900), for example, cheap, industrially produced clay pipes with rough stems often ground distinctive grooves into smokers’ teeth. Byandrew Curry, science.org, 4 Oct. 2024 Find it on Amazon This Mask Stick Can Cleanse the Skin Cleanse your skin on the go with this mask stick that uses Moroccan clay and charcoal to purify pores and rejuvenate the skin. Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clay 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English clǣg; akin to Old High German klīwa bran, Latin gluten glue, Middle Greek glia

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of clay was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near clay

Cite this Entry

“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

clay

noun
1
: 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 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Henry 1777–1852 American statesman and orator

Clay

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Lucius Du Bi*gnon du̇-ˈbin-yən How to pronounce Clay (audio) 1897–1978 American general

More from Merriam-Webster on clay

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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