clammy

adjective

clam·​my ˈkla-mē How to pronounce clammy (audio)
clammier; clammiest
Synonyms of clammynext
1
: being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool
cold clammy hands
clammy air
2
: lacking normal human warmth
the clammy atmosphere of an institution
clammily
ˈkla-mə-lē How to pronounce clammy (audio)
adverb
clamminess
ˈkla-mē-nəs How to pronounce clammy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of clammy

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Examples of clammy in a Sentence

His hand was cold and clammy. after a clammy handshake, the two bitter rivals squared off for a no-holds-barred debate
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.
Feeling the clammy grip of death on your shoulder? — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 24 May 2026 Her skin is cold and clammy, pockmarked with insect bites. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026 The ring presses a circle of pain into the clammy skin of her palm. — Maggie O’Farrell, Literary Hub, 2 June 2026 Warning signs include dizziness, a rapid but weak pulse and cool, clammy skin. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clammy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from clammen to smear, stick, from Old English clǣman; akin to Old English clǣg clay

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clammy was in the 14th century

Rhymes for clammy

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Browse Nearby Words

clammish
clammy
clammy azalea
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clammy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clammy

adjective
clam·​my ˈklam-ē How to pronounce clammy (audio)
clammier; clammiest
: being damp, soft, sticky, and usually cool
clamminess noun

Medical Definition

clammy

adjective
clam·​my ˈklam-ē How to pronounce clammy (audio)
clammier; clammiest
: being moist and sticky
a patient in shock may be cold and clammy—Emergency Medicine
clammy sweating

More from Merriam-Webster on clammy

Nglish: Translation of clammy for Spanish Speakers

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