clod: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “clod” mean?
A lump of earth or clay.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lump of earth or clay.
A stupid, awkward, or insensitive person (derogatory).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. The figurative 'stupid person' sense may be slightly more common in British English, but evidence is anecdotal.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “clod” in a Sentence
[N] of [earth/dirt/soil][Adj] clodclod [that/which]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clod” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer used a harrow to break up and clod the soil.
American English
- They had to wait for the field to dry so it wouldn't clod up the plough.
adjective
British English
- His clod-like behaviour embarrassed everyone at the party.
American English
- She gave him a clodish grin, completely missing the sarcasm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, agricultural, or geological texts describing soil.
Everyday
Most likely in gardening contexts or as a mild, old-fashioned insult.
Technical
Used in soil science/agriculture to describe an aggregate of soil particles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clod”
- Confusing spelling with 'cloud'. Using the figurative sense in formal contexts. Overusing as an insult where more common terms (like 'idiot') exist.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not particularly strong. It's old-fashioned and suggests dullness, clumsiness, or insensitivity rather than deep malice. It's milder than 'idiot' or 'moron'.
No, its primary and literal meaning is a lump of earth or clay. The 'stupid person' meaning is a figurative extension.
It's an informal term, often humorous, for a large, heavy shoe or boot. It can also mean a clumsy, unsophisticated person, similar to 'clod'.
Its literal use is uncommon outside of specific contexts like gardening or farming. Its figurative use as an insult is dated but still understood, often used for a mild, slightly humorous effect.
A lump of earth or clay.
Clod is usually informal in register.
Clod: in British English it is pronounced /klɒd/, and in American English it is pronounced /klɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clodhopper (large, heavy shoe or a clumsy person)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLOD of dirt hitting a CLOCK with a DULL 'thud' sound. CLOD sounds like 'clock' + 'dud' – a stupid, useless lump.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STUPID PERSON IS A LUMP OF EARTH (dense, inert, unrefined).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'clod' LEAST likely to be used?