noun
clod
klod
Clod (noun) means a lump of earth, clay, or turf. Example: “He kicked a clod of dirt across the field.”
noun
1
A lump of earth, clay, or turf.
"He kicked a clod of dirt across the field."
""What a bunch of hooey," I said under my breath, tossing a dirt clod over my shoulder against the locked-up garden shed."
— Clare Vanderpool, Moon Over Manifest (2010)
"One of the clods took it back of the ear, and it used language. It gave me a thrill, for it was the first time I had ever heard speech, except my own."
— Mark Twain, Eve's Diary (1906)
"As for yon clod of clay, we will bury it later, lest it should pollute so goodly a pool."
— Warwick Deeping, Uther and Igraine (1903)
2
An awkward or foolish person.
"Stop being such a clod and watch where you're walking."
How to use clod
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lump of earth, or an insulting word for a clumsy, foolish person.
When to use it
The "foolish person" sense is old-fashioned and mildly comic rather than harsh.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- clods
- Third person singular
- clods
- Past tense
- clodded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He kicked a _____ of dirt across the field.
Etymology
From Old English clot, related to "clot" and "cloud" — originally meaning a lump or mass.
Related words
Rhymes for clod
See all rhymes for clod →Frequently asked questions
What does “clod” mean?
The word “clod” means a lump of earth, clay, or turf. In plain terms, a lump of earth, or an insulting word for a clumsy, foolish person.
How do you pronounce “clod”?
“Clod” is pronounced klod (/klɑd/ in IPA).
How do you use “clod” in a sentence?
Here is “clod” used in a sentence: “He kicked a clod of dirt across the field.”
What part of speech is “clod”?
“Clod” is a noun.
Where does the word “clod” come from?
The word “clod” comes from Old English. From Old English clot, related to "clot" and "cloud" — originally meaning a lump or mass.
How many meanings does “clod” have?
“Clod” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lump of earth, clay, or turf.
