gley

noun

ˈglā How to pronounce gley (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of gleynext
: a sticky clay soil or soil layer formed under the surface of some waterlogged soils
gleyed
ˈglād How to pronounce gley (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Ukrainian gleĭ clayey earth; akin to Old English clǣg clay — more at clay

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gley was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

glew
gley
gleyd
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gley. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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