1
: a device designed to bind or constrict or to press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly
2
: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something
clamped; clamping; clamps
1
: to fasten with or as if with a clamp
clamp two boards together
2
a
: to place by decree : impose
—often used with on
clamped on a curfew after the riots
b
: to hold tightly
Synonyms
Examples of clamp in a Sentence
Verb
The surgeon clamped the vein.
He clamped the two pieces of wood together.
The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth.
He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024
The starfish were then suspended by these clamps above a glass bowl of seawater.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024
The earcups have a three-axis swivel mechanism, enabling users to get an ideal fit, with minimal clamping pressure.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clamp 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Noun
The clamp is easy to attach to bed frames and side tables.
—Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024
The starfish were then suspended by these clamps above a glass bowl of seawater.
—Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024
Verb
Easy-Way The whole shebang is clamped onto the stroller's frame above the rear axle, then angled down and locked in place so that the two rollers press down against the tops of the two rear wheels.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024
The earcups have a three-axis swivel mechanism, enabling users to get an ideal fit, with minimal clamping pressure.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clamp
Dictionary Entries Near clamp
Cite this Entry
“Clamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clamp. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clamp
1 of 2 noun
: a device that holds or presses parts together firmly
clamp
2 of 2 verb
: to fasten or tighten with or as if with a clamp
Medical Definition
clamp
1 of 2 noun
: any of various instruments or appliances having parts brought together for holding or compressing something
especially
: an instrument used to hold, compress, or crush vessels and hollow organs and to aid in surgical excision of parts
an arterial clamp
clamp
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to fasten with or as if with a clamp
the descending thoracic aorta was clamped—W. A. Banks et al.
W. A. Banks et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share