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
Synonyms
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
Bodies then folded over and careened down a clay, rock and dirt road segment marked as discesa pericoloso (dangerous descent) past farmhouses and chomping horses.
—
Tom Mullen, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Which means that the animators don’t have to constantly sculpt the clay.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2024
For almost two centuries, people had followed the clay in this very place; the clay knew where to go.
—Johannes Lichtman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2024
The bacteria is particularly common in moist clay soil.
—Reuters, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay 
Tom Mullen, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024
Which means that the animators don’t have to constantly sculpt the clay.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2024
For almost two centuries, people had followed the clay in this very place; the clay knew where to go.
—Johannes Lichtman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2024
The bacteria is particularly common in moist clay soil.
—Reuters, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clay.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
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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