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.

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clambake British  

/ ˈklæmˌbeɪk /

noun

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

2. an informal party

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Etymology

Origin of clambake

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

Example Sentences

The resulting party — a clambake on a Hamptons beach — was such a resounding success that Mr. Cuomo decided Ms. Gollust should work for him.

From New York Times • Feb. 15, 2022

One group will play in the PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a tournament that started as a clambake hosted by the crooner Bing Crosby.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2022

Headlining a Rockingham County Democrats annual clambake, she zeroed in on the state’s soaring student loan debt.

From Fox News • May 22, 2019

And even with the clambake, you bring these great flourishes.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2019

Uncle Tad and Bunker Blue were also delighted to go, and Bunny wanted to take his shovel and dig for soft clams and have a clambake on the beach.

From Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue at Christmas Tree Cove by Hope, Laura Lee

Related Words

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