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clambake

American  
[klam-beyk] / ˈklæmˌbeɪk /

noun

  1. a picnic or social gathering at the seashore at which clams and other seafood are baked, sometimes with corn and other items, traditionally on hot stones under a covering of seaweed.

  2. Informal. any social gathering, especially a very noisy one.


clambake British  
/ ˈklæmˌbeɪk /

noun

  1. a picnic, often by the sea, at which clams, etc, are baked

  2. an informal party

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of clambake

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; clam 1 + bake

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She made her big-screen debut in the 1967 Elvis movie "Clambake," in addition to making appearances on "Pride and Loyalty," "Murder, She Wrote" and "Sons and Daughters."

From Fox News • Jan. 30, 2020

After Mr. Crosby died in 1977, the younger Mr. Crosby began hosting the Clambake in his stead.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2018

Among that group are a number of people you probably never have heard of, but, as is custom for the tournament once known as the "Crosby Clambake," a handful of celebrities adorn the field.

From Golf Digest • Feb. 9, 2018

Clambake caterers can help expedite permits and interpret regulations for public beaches; permit fees add to the cost of the event.

From New York Times • Jul. 21, 2012

Clambake: The food is buried, but it's burned.

From Time Magazine Archive

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