noun
clamp
KLAMP
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 notesIn 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
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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.