clam up

verb

clammed up; clamming up; clams up

intransitive verb

: to become silent
clammed up and refused to talk

Examples of clam up in a Sentence

the little girl clammed up when the doctor came into the room
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Although regulations may usher in more urgency for sustainable action, the laws rolling out around transparent claims could lead to companies clamming up about their initiatives to avoid potential greenwashing penalties. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 While Lydia wallows in the residual pain, Paul has clammed up. Judy Berman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clam up was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near clam up

Cite this Entry

“Clam up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clam%20up. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

clam up

verb
: to become silent
they clammed up when asked for more information

More from Merriam-Webster on clam up

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!