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
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
Packed with 49% green tomato extract, glycerin, a six-clay complex (which includes kaolin and bentonite), and cica, this cleanser-mask hybrid clears pores and sweeps away blackheads while also soothing the skin.
—
Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
The bride, who just got married nine days prior to the ritual, placed her expensive wedding band in a wooden ball and was covered in gray clay for an hour.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Annual ryegrass can handle all kinds of soil conditions, and does well at breaking up especially heavy clay soil.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Many pandals, temporary structures built with bamboo and other material for the festival, and clay idols of the deities also suffered damage across the city.
—Reuters, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Sep. 2025
The bride, who just got married nine days prior to the ritual, placed her expensive wedding band in a wooden ball and was covered in gray clay for an hour.
—Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Annual ryegrass can handle all kinds of soil conditions, and does well at breaking up especially heavy clay soil.
—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Many pandals, temporary structures built with bamboo and other material for the festival, and clay idols of the deities also suffered damage across the city.
—Reuters, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
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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