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 design on the shirt, also worn by Arthur Fils, is meant to capture dirt dispersing upon the ball’s impact on clay.
—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
There is an intimacy there, on the red clay, where every shot leaves its mark.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
The story, written down on a clay tablet in Mesopotamia around 2,100 B.C., is the seed to the legend.
—Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
The Spanish-style stucco buildings with clay tile roofs are home to more than 80 artists and over 20 galleries.
—Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
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Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
There is an intimacy there, on the red clay, where every shot leaves its mark.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 25 May 2025
The story, written down on a clay tablet in Mesopotamia around 2,100 B.C., is the seed to the legend.
—Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
The Spanish-style stucco buildings with clay tile roofs are home to more than 80 artists and over 20 galleries.
—Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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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