clump

Everyday

1. A clump is a small group of plants or trees growing close together: «a clump of daisies». tree →
2. A clump is a lump or mass of something stuck together: «a clump of hair», «clumps of mud». tree →
3. To clump, or clump together, means to stick together in lumps or gather in a group. tree →
4. To clump means to walk with slow, heavy, noisy steps: «He clumped up the stairs in his boots». tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature lessons, plants like grasses and bulbs grow in clumps; in cooking, flour can clump if you don't stir. In stories, «clumping» footsteps tell you someone heavy or tired is walking. Phrases: «a clump of trees», «clump together», «clumping footsteps».

Examples

• A clump of bluebells grew under the tree. tree →
• The cat left a clump of fur on the sofa. tree →
• Stir the porridge so it doesn't clump. tree →
• The children clumped together to keep warm. tree →
• We heard Dad clumping upstairs in his wellies. tree →
• Clumps of mud fell off my football boots. tree →
• The rabbits hid in a clump of long grass. tree →
• But not half-way, near a clump of trees, there was the Wolf! tree →

Note

Regular verb: clumped. Similar sounding: «clomp» (also heavy walking) and «lump». «Clumpy» describes things that form lumps or heavy shoes.