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
Synonyms
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
Think of them as an early version of a rubber stamp — but one that rolled across a wet clay tablet rather than pounded onto a paper surface.
—
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Related article Archaeologists unearth tiny 3,500-year-old clay tablet following an earthquake
A study detailing the similarities was published Tuesday in the journal Antiquity.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Now, Swedish archaeologist Oscar Nilsson, along with those from Nicolaus Copernicus University, used DNA, 3D printing and modeling clay to recreate Zosia's face — showing what the woman who was believed to be between the ages of 18 and 20 would've looked like, per Reuters.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
In addition to recycled glass, other goods for sale are made of old machine parts, clay beads and even seeds.
—John Corrigan, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay 
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Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Related article Archaeologists unearth tiny 3,500-year-old clay tablet following an earthquake
A study detailing the similarities was published Tuesday in the journal Antiquity.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Now, Swedish archaeologist Oscar Nilsson, along with those from Nicolaus Copernicus University, used DNA, 3D printing and modeling clay to recreate Zosia's face — showing what the woman who was believed to be between the ages of 18 and 20 would've looked like, per Reuters.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024
In addition to recycled glass, other goods for sale are made of old machine parts, clay beads and even seeds.
—John Corrigan, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clay
Dictionary Entries Near clay
Cite this Entry
“Clay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clay. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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