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
The 18th-century preservation process involved placing the cherries in dry bottles, corking them and then burying them under heavy clay, to protect the fleshy fruits from elements like mold and fungus.
—
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 June 2024
Elliot makes films unlike anyone else’s: quirky, intimate, minutely observed, melancholy and funny in equal measure and very obviously made of clay.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 June 2024
Halal Eats will specialize in authentic Uzbek-Tajik cuisine, using a tandoor oven made of clay to roast meat and bake bread.
—Dasia Williams, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024
Instead, rodents will typically eat non-nutritional substances, like clay and dirt, to help dilute the toxins instead of expelling them from their bodies.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay 
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 20 June 2024
Elliot makes films unlike anyone else’s: quirky, intimate, minutely observed, melancholy and funny in equal measure and very obviously made of clay.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 June 2024
Halal Eats will specialize in authentic Uzbek-Tajik cuisine, using a tandoor oven made of clay to roast meat and bake bread.
—Dasia Williams, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2024
Instead, rodents will typically eat non-nutritional substances, like clay and dirt, to help dilute the toxins instead of expelling them from their bodies.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 June 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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