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
Rolling hills, and a mix of clay and limestone soils, host grapes like Malvazija Istarska, Teran, and Borgonja.
—
Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Locally crafted natural materials, clay pottery, and artifacts bring a sense of place throughout the resort.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 17 Dec. 2024
However, the return of Feathers, the little clay puppet with silicone feet and glass pins for eyes, was an afterthought to provide a more sinister force.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024
Sage greens and earthy clay hues will also trend in 2025, says Kate Marker, the owner and principal designer at Kate Marker Interiors.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay 
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Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Locally crafted natural materials, clay pottery, and artifacts bring a sense of place throughout the resort.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 17 Dec. 2024
However, the return of Feathers, the little clay puppet with silicone feet and glass pins for eyes, was an afterthought to provide a more sinister force.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024
Sage greens and earthy clay hues will also trend in 2025, says Kate Marker, the owner and principal designer at Kate Marker Interiors.
—Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay
Dictionary Entries Near clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 22 Dec. 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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