clem

¹ American

[klem] / klɛm /

verb (used with or without object)

British Dialect.

clemmed, clemming

to starve.

Clem ² American

[klem] / klɛm /

noun

a male given name, form of Clement.

clem British

/ klɛm /

verb

dialect (when tr, usually passive) to be hungry or cause to be hungry

"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 clem

1530–40; akin to Middle English forclemmed (past participle) pinched with hunger, Old English beclemman to fetter

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.

"They work for a period of years to earn and graduate essentially into this role and working in the front room," Clem added.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

"All of our mission control rooms are all in this building," said Clem.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Mike Clem, the CEO of Sweetwater, a leading retailer of musical instruments, says about 80% of the comments he receives are positive.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

Clem has been buying them in bulk on the internet, accepting donated whistles from friends, and making his with a 3D printer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Just when I’m thinking again about that poem, I feel a shadow over me and look up to see Lymon, Errol, and Clem.

From "Finding Langston" by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023