clamp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklamp 

1

: a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly

2

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

clamp

2 of 2

verb

clamped; clamping; clamps

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

clamp two boards together

2

a

: to place by decree : impose

—often used with on

clamped on a curfew after the riots

b

: to hold tightly

Synonyms

Verb

• anchor
• catch
• fasten
• fix
• hitch
• moor
• secure
• set

Examples of clamp in a Sentence

Verb

The surgeon clamped the vein.

He clamped the two pieces of wood together.

The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth.

He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This arm has a clamp at the base that attaches to side tables or bed frames, and there’s a more expensive floor stand version ($70) if clamping on furniture sounds unappealing. —Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024

While the critics may not agree with Kyle's viral Instagram post, experts say leaving the clamps off for safety reasons is a good idea. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Verb

The country's gender pay gap has been nearly clamped shut, and Norwegian homes and workplaces display a broad understanding of caregiving as indispensable labor that can and should be evenly distributed by both parents with society's support. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

In one post, Al Shanti shared a video of her 6-year-old, Alma, whose little hands were clamped over her ears to mask the sound of bombardment. —Helena Skinner, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, probably from Middle Dutch *klampe; akin to Old English clamm bond, fetter — more at clam

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clamp

• C-clamp
• clamp down
• clamp down on
• clamp on
• wheel clamp

Kids Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly

clamp

2 of 2 verb

: to fasten or tighten with or as if with a clamp

Medical Definition

clamp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklamp 

: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something

especially : an instrument used to hold, compress, or crush vessels and hollow organs and to aid in surgical excision of parts

an arterial clamp

clamp

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to fasten with or as if with a clamp

the descending thoracic aorta was clamped

—W. A. Banks et al.