clay

noun

ˈklā 

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

: clay court

clayey

ˈklā-ē 

adjective

clayish

ˈklā-ish 

adjective

claylike

ˈklā-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms of clay

• self
• nature
• colors
• tone
• personality

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

Ever since the Spaniard announced that a wrist injury would sideline him through the end of the clay-court season, and then through Wimbledon, the sport’s ever-simmering terror around them has threatened to boil over. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Battered metal is as crucial to his kit as conventional drum sounds, and even his tonal elements feel as malleable as wrung-out sponges or wet lumps of clay. — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

To ensure the integrity of the mold, only high-quality clay is used and then encased in steel sleeves designed to withstand extreme pressure. — Philipp Jenne, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Paint colors for cashmere kitchens will have warm or neutral undertones and include taupes, light clay colors, ivories, and beiges. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing clay

• china clay
• clay court
• clay feet
• clay loam
• clay mineral
• clay pigeon
• feet of clay
• pipe clay
• potter's clay

Rhymes for clay

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

clay

noun

ˈklā 

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)

ˈklā 

Henry 1777–1852 American statesman and orator

Clay

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Lucius Du Bi*gnon du̇-ˈbin-yən  1897–1978 American general