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
The importance of falling well has only grown as players have adapted movement patterns from clay and hard courts to grass.
—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
3 July 2026
That meant ditching some of the traditional tools used in vehicle design, like the clay models used by car designers since the 1930s.
—
Andrew Staples,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
City is made from clay, sand, and rock, all excavated from the innards of the site and reshaped.
—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
3 July 2026
Use kaolin clay, temporary shade, and avoid heavy pruning to shield trees from sunburn and heat stress.
—
Martha Stewart,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
3 July 2026
That meant ditching some of the traditional tools used in vehicle design, like the clay models used by car designers since the 1930s.
—
Andrew Staples,
Fortune,
3 July 2026
City is made from clay, sand, and rock, all excavated from the innards of the site and reshaped.
—
Lara Johnson-Wheeler,
Vogue,
3 July 2026
Use kaolin clay, temporary shade, and avoid heavy pruning to shield trees from sunburn and heat stress.
—
Martha Stewart,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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