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1 ADJ A clumsy person moves or handles things in a careless, awkward way, often so that things are knocked over or broken. □  Unfortunately, I was still very clumsy behind the wheel of the jeep. ●  clum|si|ly /klʌ mz I li/ ADV [ADV with v] □  The rooks flew clumsily towards their nests. ●  clum|si|ness N‑UNCOUNT □  Ben's biggest problem is clumsiness.

2 ADJ A clumsy action or statement is not skilful or is likely to upset people. □  The action seemed a clumsy attempt to topple the Janata Dal government. □  He denied the announcement was clumsy and insensitive. ●  clum|si|ly ADV [usu ADV with v] □  If the matter were handled clumsily, it could cost Miriam her life. ●  clum|si|ness N‑UNCOUNT □  I was ashamed at my clumsiness and insensitivity.

clung /klʌ ŋ/ Clung is the past tense and past participle of cling .

clunk /klʌ ŋk/ (clunks ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A clunk is a sound made by a heavy object hitting something hard. □  Something fell to the floor with a clunk.

clunk|er /klʌ ŋkə ^r / (clunkers ) N‑COUNT If you describe a machine, especially a car, as a clunker , you mean that it is very old and almost falling apart. [AM ]

clunky /klʌ ŋki/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe something as clunky , you mean that it is solid, heavy, and rather awkward. □  …a clunky piece of architecture.

clus|ter /klʌ stə ^r / (clusters , clustering , clustered )

1 N‑COUNT A cluster of people or things is a small group of them close together. □ [+ of ] There's no town here, just a cluster of shops, cabins and motels at the side of the highway.

2 VERB If people cluster together , they gather together in a small group. □ [V + together ] The passengers clustered together in small groups. □ [V + around/round ] The children clustered around me. [Also V prep]

3 → see also clustered

clu s|ter bomb (cluster bombs ) N‑COUNT A cluster bomb is a type of bomb which is dropped from an aircraft. It contains a large number of smaller bombs that spread out before they hit the ground.

clus|tered /klʌ stə ^r d/ ADJ If people or things are clustered somewhere, there is a group of them close together there. □  Officials were clustered at every open office door, talking excitedly.

clutch /klʌ tʃ/ (clutches , clutching , clutched )

1 VERB If you clutch at something or clutch something, you hold it tightly, usually because you are afraid or anxious. □ [V + at ] I staggered and had to clutch at a chair for support. □ [V n] She was clutching a photograph.

2 N‑PLURAL [usu with poss] If someone is in another person's clutches , that person has captured them or has power over them. □  Stojanovic escaped their clutches by jumping from a moving vehicle.

3 N‑COUNT In a vehicle, the clutch is the pedal that you press before you change gear. □  Laura let out the clutch and pulled slowly away down the drive.

4to clutch at straws → see straw

clut|ter /klʌ tə ^r / (clutters , cluttering , cluttered )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Clutter is a lot of things in an untidy state, especially things that are not useful or necessary. □  Caroline prefers her worktops to be clear of clutter.

2 VERB If things or people clutter a place, they fill it in an untidy way. □ [V n] Empty soft-drink cans clutter the desks. □ [be V -ed + with ] The roads were cluttered with cars and vans. ● PHRASAL VERB Clutter up means the same as clutter . □ [V P n] The vehicles cluttered up the car park. □ [V n P ] This room is so impressive it would be a shame to clutter it up. [Also V n P + with ]