# clump

/ˈkɫəmp/ (US) · /klˈʌmp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clump
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a cluster of things

noun · CEFR B1

a small group of things that are close together, such as plants, trees, or hair.

For teachers: a small, dense group or cluster of trees, plants, or other similar objects growing or placed closely together.

- A clump of tall trees stood in the middle of the field.
- The gardener decided to plant a dense clump of lavender near the gate to provide a strong fragrance for visitors.

### 2. a solid mass

noun · CEFR B2

a solid piece or lump of something, often without a clear shape.

For teachers: an unshaped piece or mass of a substance, often formed by sticking together.

- The hikers had to scrape a heavy clump of mud off their boots.
- The recipe failed because the flour had formed a dry clump at the bottom of the mixing bowl.

### 3. to gather together

verb · CEFR B2

to form into a group or a solid mass.

For teachers: to gather or stick together into a dense group or mass; can be used with or without a direct object.

- The wet snow started to clump together on the branches.
- If the sauce is not stirred constantly, the cornstarch will clump and ruin the smooth texture of the gravy.

### 4. to walk heavily

verb · CEFR B2

to walk with heavy, noisy steps.

For teachers: to walk with heavy, clumsy, or noisy footfalls, often producing a dull thudding sound.

- We heard him clump up the wooden stairs in his heavy work boots.
- The children continued to clump around the attic, oblivious to the fact that their parents were trying to sleep in the room below.

### 5. to hit someone

verb · CEFR C2 · British English · Informal · Dialect

to hit or strike someone.

For teachers: to strike or beat a person, typically with the hand.

- He threatened to clump him if he didn't stop being annoying.
- In the local dialect, a parent might warn a child that they will get a clump round the ear for misbehaving.

## Examples

- A small clump of trees stands near the river.
- The hikers noticed a clump of wildflowers growing in the middle of the field.
- The artist used a thick brush to create a dark clump of shadows that seemed to pull the viewer's eye toward the center of the canvas.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.