How to Pronounce Clam

To pronounce "clam", say CLAM — one syllable, IPA /klæm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

clam

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/klæm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “clam”

"clam" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with sham and damn, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: klamm — easy to mix up when writing.

What does clam mean?

noun

A bivalve mollusk of many kinds, especially those that are edible; for example the soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria), the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), the sea clam or hen clam (Spisula solidissima), and other species. The name is said to have been given originally to the Tridacna gigas, a huge East Indian bivalve.
Strong pincers or forceps.

verb

To dig for clams.

Hear “clam” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with clam

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

sham damn cram program slam ram dam jam epigram lam lamb ham

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "clam"?▾

"Clam" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "clam"?▾

The IPA transcription of "clam" is /klæm/.

What does "clam" mean?▾

Clam: A bivalve mollusk of many kinds, especially those that are edible; for example the soft-shell clam (Mya arenaria), the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria), the sea clam or hen clam (Spisula solidissima), and other species. The name is said to have been given originally to the Tridacna gigas, a huge East Indian bivalve.

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