clog

1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg How to pronounce clog (audio)
ˈklȯg
1
a
: a weight attached especially to an animal to hinder motion
b
: something that shackles or impedes : encumbrance sense 1
c
: a mass of material that blocks movement through a pipe or vessel
clearing a clog in the kitchen sink
2
: a shoe, sandal, or overshoe having a thick typically wooden sole

clog

2 of 2

verb

clogged; clogging; clogs

transitive verb

1
a
: to impede with a clog : hinder
b
: to halt or slow the progress, operation, or growth of : encumber
… restraints that have been clogging the market …T. W. Arnold
2
a
: to fill beyond capacity : overload
cars clogged the main street
often used with up
petty cases clogging up the courts
b
: to cause blockage in
often used with up
arteries clogged up by cholesterol

intransitive verb

1
: to become filled with extraneous matter
often used with up
2
: to unite in a mass : clot
3
: to dance a clog dance
clogger
ˈklä-gər How to pronounce clog (audio)
ˈklȯ-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for clog

hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting.

hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

Examples of clog in a Sentence

Noun There's a clog in the kitchen sink. a liquid chemical that gets rid of clogs Verb The sink was clogged by dirt and grease. The drain clogs easily because the opening is so small.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The shoes come with the ogre’s classic ear buttons and button for his large nose placed on the clog’s holes in front of the shoe. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 7 Sep. 2023 Regardless, García’s slump, Jung’s injury and Heim’s rust have created a clog in the heart of Texas’ lineups, one that’s put a great deal of the run-scoring onus onto batters further down the order. Shawn McFarland, Dallas News, 28 Aug. 2023 Some look more like a slipper or a clog, while others resemble a loafer with the back half of the upper cut off. Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 8 Aug. 2023 In some places, the storm surge through the city had created clogs, bulging masses of wreckage that blocked traffic. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2023 Your feet will love these sneakers, clogs, and loafers from brands like Brooks, Skechers, and Cole Haan. Brittany Chrusciel, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2023 This clog received top marks from us across the board. Sherri Gordon, Health, 28 Aug. 2023 Purr-fect Washer Laundering items covered in pet hair can present a clog risk, but with Maytag’s new washer, that's not a concern. Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 15 Aug. 2023 Pimples occur when the aforementioned buildup and overproduction of oil clog skin pores and hair follicles. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2023
Verb
Filter by date: Make sure old links aren’t clogging your search results. Fox News, 17 Sep. 2023 One caveat, whether the paint is sprayed or brushed on: Don’t clog the weep holes at the bottom of the frame on the exterior. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 Retired teacher fought to save neighbors’ homes from flooding — 2:28 p.m. By John Hilliard, Globe Staff John DeCicco remembers the Blizzard of ‘78, when the region was shellacked by nearly 30 inches of snow — clogging highways, shutting down businesses, and stranding thousands in their homes. Amanda Kaufman, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Sep. 2023 An algal bloom clogging a waterway near Lough Neagh in Northern IrelandChris Baraniuk Standing on the marina, Rob Skelly peers into the darkness of the river where bright speckles of algae drift in the water. Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 11 Sep. 2023 The top places for street sweeping tickets There are nearly 2,400 miles of streets across L.A. where the city’s fleet of sweepers clean up trash every other week, preventing debris from clogging storm drains and reaching waterways. Cari Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2023 Flushing toilet paper can clog the toilet in these countries. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 28 Aug. 2023 What Causes Acne? Bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells clog your sebaceous glands, which causes acne. Jacqueline Andriakos, Health, 25 Aug. 2023 On the inside, freshman defensive lineman Elijah Hughes is helping clog the lane against the run, where the Trojans are allowing 3.8 yards a carry, an improvement from last year’s five-yard clip. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clog.' 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

Noun

Middle English clogge short thick piece of wood

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near clog

Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clog. Accessed 23 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

clog

1 of 2 noun
ˈkläg How to pronounce clog (audio)
ˈklȯg
1
: something that hinders or holds back
a clog in the drain
2
: a shoe or sandal having a thick usually wooden sole

clog

2 of 2 verb
clogged; clogging
1
: to get in the way of
2
: to block passage through
3
: to fill or become filled beyond capacity
heavy traffic clogged the roads

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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