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
Alternatively, try a mask with clay or charcoal as a temporary fix, says Dr. Yang.
—
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
The puppets are still made the old-fashioned way at Aardman: clay in combination with silicone with ball and socket armatures on the inside.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Nonetheless, a clay fireplace by Roy Cartwright is equally compelling.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Most famous for his dominance on clay, Nadal won a record 14 French Open championships.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay 
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Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
The puppets are still made the old-fashioned way at Aardman: clay in combination with silicone with ball and socket armatures on the inside.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024
Nonetheless, a clay fireplace by Roy Cartwright is equally compelling.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Most famous for his dominance on clay, Nadal won a record 14 French Open championships.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 20 Nov. 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 1 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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