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 power company built out the land at the plant through the 1970s with a mixture of sand, clay and coal ash to fill in the steel piling wall, according to a NIPSCO spokesperson in a June 5 statement, noting that 18% of the fill is coal ash.
—
Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
When packed tightly together, the stalks wick water away, where the microscopic pores in the clay plaster absorb it and slowly shed it into the air, regulating the humidity in the house without environmental controls that require additional electricity.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026
These parts of the outback are known for cracking clay plains, ephemeral waterways, scorching summers and dramatic cycling between drought and flood.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Our pros recommend pairing softer shades of beige and white with rich, earthy tones such as chocolate brown, olive green, rust, and clay—especially in cozy textures and materials like linen and velvet.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 12 June 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.
Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
When packed tightly together, the stalks wick water away, where the microscopic pores in the clay plaster absorb it and slowly shed it into the air, regulating the humidity in the house without environmental controls that require additional electricity.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 13 June 2026
These parts of the outback are known for cracking clay plains, ephemeral waterways, scorching summers and dramatic cycling between drought and flood.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Our pros recommend pairing softer shades of beige and white with rich, earthy tones such as chocolate brown, olive green, rust, and clay—especially in cozy textures and materials like linen and velvet.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 12 June 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 15 Jun. 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
