Clam — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈklam/

Meaning & Definition of Clam

Clam (noun)

  1. clamp, clasp
  2. any of numerous edible marine bivalve mollusks living in sand or mud
  3. a freshwater mussel
  4. a stolid or closemouthed person

Clam (verb)

  1. to gather clams especially by digging

Clam (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a U.S. currency bill representing 100 cents

    "it must take a whole lot of clams to buy a car like that"

    similar: bone (slang), buck, dollar, one, smacker (slang)
    related: greenback, dead presidents (slang)

Clam (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in fish, seal

    similar: fish, seal, shrimp, whale, gather, harvest, pick, reap, accumulate, forage, garner, glean, cut, hay, mow, bag, capture, hunt, net, snare, trap, crop, grow, raise
    opposite: plant, seed, sow

Related Entry: Clam up (verb)

Clam up is a different word from Clam. The synonyms below are for clam up, not for clam.

  1. to stop talking

    "the little girl clammed up when the doctor came into the room"

    similar: belt up (British), dry up, dummy up, hush, pipe down, quiet (down), shut up, hold one's tongue
    related: calm (down), cool (down), settle (down), haw, hem
    opposite: speak, talk
    near: pipe up, sound off, speak out, speak up, spout (off), talk up

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Clam

The most common words with a similar meaning to Clam:

Slang: bone, smacker
buck, dollar, one, fish, seal, shrimp, whale, gather, harvest, pick, reap, accumulate, forage, garner, glean, cut, hay, mow, bag, capture, hunt, net, snare, trap, crop, grow, raise

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Clam

Words with the opposite meaning of Clam:

plant, seed, sow

Related Words for Clam

greenback, dead presidents

Word Forms of Clam

Inflections: clammed, clamming

Derived words: clammer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Clam

Middle English, from Old English clamm bond, fetter; akin to Old High German klamma constriction and perhaps to Latin glomus ball

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Clam

clam up, clam worm, butter clam, giant clam, hard clam, hard-shell clam, Manhattan clam chowder

Frequently Asked Questions about Clam

What does "Clam" mean?

"Clam" means clamp, clasp. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: clamp, clasp. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Clam"?

Other words for "Clam" include bone, buck, dollar, one, smacker, fish, seal and shrimp. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Clam" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Clam"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Clam". Common alternatives include bone, buck, dollar, one, smacker, fish, seal, shrimp, whale and gather.

What is the opposite of "Clam"?

Antonyms of "Clam" include plant, seed and sow.

How do you use "Clam" in a sentence?

Examples of "Clam" in a sentence: "it must take a whole lot of clams to buy a car like that".

Is "Clam" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Clam" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Clam"?

"Clam" is pronounced /ˈklam/.

What is the origin of the word "Clam"?

"Clam" comes from Middle English, from Old English clamm bond, fetter; akin to Old High German klamma constriction and perhaps to Latin glomus ball. First known use: 15th century.