English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

clamp

KLAMP

Clamp (noun) means a device used to hold or squeeze objects tightly together. Example: “He used a clamp to hold the wood steady while gluing it.”

noun
1
A device used to hold or squeeze objects tightly together.
"He used a clamp to hold the wood steady while gluing it."
2
A device fitted to a car wheel to stop it being driven until a fine is paid.
"She came back to find a clamp on her car."
verb
1
To fasten or hold something tightly in place.
"Clamp the two boards together before drilling."
2
To immobilise a vehicle using a wheel clamp.
"The council clamps cars parked without a permit."

How to use clamp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tool or device that grips things tightly — or, as a verb, to grip or fasten tightly.

Common pairings
clamp down wheel clamp clamp shut

Word forms

clamped past tense, clamped past tense, clamps plural, clamps plural, Clamps plural, clamps singular, clamps singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “clamp” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He used a _____ to hold the wood steady while gluing it.

Etymology

From Middle Dutch clampe ("a clamp, hook"), related to a Germanic root meaning to press together.

Origin: Germanic

Related words

Rhymes for clamp

See all rhymes for clamp →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clamp” mean?

The word “clamp” means a device used to hold or squeeze objects tightly together. In plain terms, a tool or device that grips things tightly — or, as a verb, to grip or fasten tightly.

How do you pronounce “clamp”?

“Clamp” is pronounced KLAMP (/ˈklæmp/ in IPA).

How do you use “clamp” in a sentence?

Here is “clamp” used in a sentence: “He used a clamp to hold the wood steady while gluing it.”

What part of speech is “clamp”?

Depending on how it is used, “clamp” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “clamp” come from?

The word “clamp” comes from Germanic. From Middle Dutch clampe ("a clamp, hook"), related to a Germanic root meaning to press together.

Is “clamp” a common word?

“Clamp” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “clamp” have?

“Clamp” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device used to hold or squeeze objects tightly together.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial