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
Geopolymer technology can be adapted depending on the clay or industrial waste locally available in a region.
—
Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Avoid terra-cotta pots for moisture-loving plants like ferns, Venus flytraps, and peace lilies since the porous clay dries out the soil quickly.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
After placing a clay shard over the drainage hole in each pot, Ryan fills them with the soil mix, adding enough to reach just below the top rim of the pot.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
Get it with a trio of pulpy housemade salsas, and tiny tortillas, still warm, served in a clay croque.
—Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clay
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alcina Johnson Sudagar, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Avoid terra-cotta pots for moisture-loving plants like ferns, Venus flytraps, and peace lilies since the porous clay dries out the soil quickly.
—Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
After placing a clay shard over the drainage hole in each pot, Ryan fills them with the soil mix, adding enough to reach just below the top rim of the pot.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
Get it with a trio of pulpy housemade salsas, and tiny tortillas, still warm, served in a clay croque.
—Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
