clog

1 of 2

noun

ˈkläg How to pronounce clog (audio)
ˈklȯg
1
a
: a weight attached especially to an animal to hinder motion
b
: something that shackles or impedes : encumbrance sense 1
c
: a mass of material that blocks movement through a pipe or vessel
clearing a clog in the kitchen sink
2
: a shoe, sandal, or overshoe having a thick typically wooden sole

clog

2 of 2

verb

clogged; clogging; clogs

transitive verb

1
a
: to impede with a clog : hinder
b
: to halt or slow the progress, operation, or growth of : encumber
… restraints that have been clogging the market …T. W. Arnold
2
a
: to fill beyond capacity : overload
cars clogged the main street
often used with up
petty cases clogging up the courts
b
: to cause blockage in
often used with up
arteries clogged up by cholesterol

intransitive verb

1
: to become filled with extraneous matter
often used with up
2
: to unite in a mass : clot
3
: to dance a clog dance
clogger
ˈklä-gər How to pronounce clog (audio)
ˈklȯ-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for clog

hamper, trammel, clog, fetter, shackle, manacle mean to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting.

hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

Examples of clog in a Sentence

Noun There's a clog in the kitchen sink. a liquid chemical that gets rid of clogs Verb The sink was clogged by dirt and grease. The drain clogs easily because the opening is so small.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
With a wooden sole, good arch support, and a cushioned footbed, clogs are designed to be functional and protective — all without compromising style. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024 Shoppers can choose from styles such as the Echo clog or the Classic Lined clog. Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Nov. 2023 Rumors ranging from China paying off officials to the state scheming to steal the water from the Klamath clog social media sites. The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2024 Pour the hot water down the drain to dissolve and wash away any grease clogs. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023 Another standout silhouette was a platform clog shoe with a curved heel in lavender, black, green crocodile print, and orange. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 31 Jan. 2024 When shopping for clogs, Lobkova recommends remaining true to size. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 10 Jan. 2024 Raisin Walnut Apple Bars Never trust a baked good that looks like a wooden clog. Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 23 Jan. 2024 Sometimes hard-to-reach clogs have to be removed mechanically, and turns out baking soda and vinegar won't help with fat, oil, and grease clogs (here's a helpful explanation from Bren Did). Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023
Verb
Traffic on a California highway was clogged after a truck carrying toilet paper rolls spilled. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 With Jackson and Folkes on the court together, Charlotte is clogging the paint and shrinking the court with only three 3-point threats on the court – Patterson (35%), Milicic (37%) and Nik Graves (33%). Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2024 Early in February, farmers and truckers clogged main roads into Paris, enraged by President Macron’s crackpot climate program. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 7 Mar. 2024 The internet has long been clogged with advertising, but something different is happening today. Kate Lindsay, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2024 The versatile, durable and cheap material is clogging the world’s oceans, leaching toxins into its biomes and contributing to climate change. Ted Alcorn, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Backers first proposed the gondola in 2018, selling the idea as an alternative to the congested stadium entry that clogs neighboring streets. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Per the Cleveland Clinic, inflammatory acne is caused when your pores or hair follicles get clogged with sebum (natural oils), dead skin cells, excess oils, product buildup from makeup, etc. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 No one wants to see another generic sales pitch clogging up their feed. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English clogge short thick piece of wood

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of clog was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near clog

Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clog. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clog

1 of 2 noun
ˈkläg How to pronounce clog (audio)
ˈklȯg
1
: something that hinders or holds back
a clog in the drain
2
: a shoe or sandal having a thick usually wooden sole

clog

2 of 2 verb
clogged; clogging
1
: to get in the way of
2
: to block passage through
3
: to fill or become filled beyond capacity
heavy traffic clogged the roads

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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