clem
Clem (verb) means (dialect, chiefly northern English) To go hungry or starve. Example: “In the old mill towns, families would clem through the worst winters.”
How to use clem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA regional English word meaning to go without food, to be starving.
Strongly regional (Lancashire/northern English dialect) and rarely used in standard writing.
Word forms
clemmed past tense, clems plural, clems singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the old mill towns, families would _____ through the worst winters.
Etymology
From Old English clemman, "to press or squeeze" — the sense narrowed over time to the pinched, hungry feeling of starvation.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for clem
See all rhymes for clem →Frequently asked questions
What does “clem” mean?
The word “clem” means (dialect, chiefly northern English) To go hungry or starve. In plain terms, a regional English word meaning to go without food, to be starving.
How do you pronounce “clem”?
“Clem” is pronounced klehm (/klɛm/ in IPA).
How do you use “clem” in a sentence?
Here is “clem” used in a sentence: “In the old mill towns, families would clem through the worst winters.”
What is another word for “clem”?
Words with a similar meaning to “clem” include clemmy.
What part of speech is “clem”?
“Clem” is a verb.
Where does the word “clem” come from?
The word “clem” comes from Old English. From Old English clemman, "to press or squeeze" — the sense narrowed over time to the pinched, hungry feeling of starvation.