plural clumps
1
a
: a small ball or mass of something
a clump of roots/grass/mud
b
: a group of things or people that are close together
There is a clump of bushes/trees at the edge of the field.
a clump of spectators
2
: a loud, heavy sound made by footsteps
I could hear the clump of his footsteps as he came down the stairs.
clumps; clumped; clumping
1
: to form a mass or clump
The virus causes the cells to clump (together).
The virus clumps the cells together.
2
: to walk with loud, heavy steps
I could hear him clumping [=clomping] down/up the stairs.
Cite this Entry
“Clump.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/clump. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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