clod

noun

ˈkläd How to pronounce clod (audio)
Synonyms of clodnext
1
a
: a lump or mass especially of earth or clay
b
: soil, earth
2
: oaf, dolt
cloddish
ˈklä-dish How to pronounce clod (audio)
adjective
cloddishness noun
cloddy
ˈklä-dē How to pronounce clod (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of clod

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Examples of clod in a Sentence

Her husband's such a clod. despite his imposing size, he's no simple clod
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.
But that’s just one clod’s opinion. — New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026 The result was a dry product not unlike clod. — J.c. Reid, Houston Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026 After loosening the soil, gently lift the clump out of the ground and remove any soil clods. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2026 At first, the object that surfaced was inconspicuous, packed in a wet clod of earth. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for clod

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clodde, from Old English clod- (in clodhamer fieldfare)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of clod was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

clockwork
clod
cloddiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

clod

noun
ˈkläd How to pronounce clod (audio)
1
: a lump or mass especially of earth or clay
2
: a person who is dull or not sensitive : oaf
cloddish
ˈkläd-ish How to pronounce clod (audio)
adjective
cloddy
ˈkläd-ē How to pronounce clod (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on clod

Nglish: Translation of clod for Spanish Speakers

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