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
And these survived only because clay and salt in the surrounding soil protected them from further decay.
—
Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Big Think, 17 Sep. 2025
Similar to an in-office treatment, step one is a trio of extra-strength exfoliating acids (lactic, glycolic, and mandelic), and step two is a clay mask to simultaneously neutralize the acids and deep clean the skin.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Construct mushrooms out of paper or clay and attach them to the base.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
Royer and 35 other employees made a clay sculpture of the new World Headquarters, the first such re-creation in the history of Ford.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Big Think, 17 Sep. 2025
Similar to an in-office treatment, step one is a trio of extra-strength exfoliating acids (lactic, glycolic, and mandelic), and step two is a clay mask to simultaneously neutralize the acids and deep clean the skin.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Construct mushrooms out of paper or clay and attach them to the base.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2025
Royer and 35 other employees made a clay sculpture of the new World Headquarters, the first such re-creation in the history of Ford.
—Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 16 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 20 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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