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
Ironically, the studies revealed that wet clay shale rocks along the Darién route meant nuclear explosives might not work well there.
—
The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
The more significant design differences that set the Magnifique apart from the Crock-Pot are the Magnifique’s oven-safe clay lid (opposed to the glass and plastic Crock-Pot lid) and its Sear/Sauté setting, which the Crock-Pot lacks.
—Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Sculptors crafted a clay model before creating a wax cast to form the foundation of the figures.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Items submerged for centuries As well as evidence of the battle, Uldum and his colleagues also discovered a host of objects linked to the Dannebroge’s crew, including shoes, fragments of clothing, clay pipes and uniform insignia.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
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The Conversation, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
The more significant design differences that set the Magnifique apart from the Crock-Pot are the Magnifique’s oven-safe clay lid (opposed to the glass and plastic Crock-Pot lid) and its Sear/Sauté setting, which the Crock-Pot lacks.
—Callie Sumlin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026
Sculptors crafted a clay model before creating a wax cast to form the foundation of the figures.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Items submerged for centuries As well as evidence of the battle, Uldum and his colleagues also discovered a host of objects linked to the Dannebroge’s crew, including shoes, fragments of clothing, clay pipes and uniform insignia.
—Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 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 4 Apr. 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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