Clive

American

[klahyv] / klaɪv /

noun

Robert Baron Clive of Plassey, 1725–74, British general and statesman in India.
a male given name, form of Cleve.

Clive British

/ klaɪv /

noun

Robert, Baron Clive of Plassey. 1725–74, British general and statesman, whose victory at Plassey (1757) strengthened British control in India

"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

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.

After several false dawns, Dorrian's patience paid off when Clive Nates came on board in 2016 – eventually taking over as chairman in 2018.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

The supporting characters, not including Mr. Dunster and Ms. Clive, only because they qualify as principals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

There were actually fewer children and fewer working parents per child in 2025, says Clive Belfield, author of ReadyNation’s economic analysis and an economics professor at Queens College, City University of New York.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

And yet, by Saturday evening, Lemon was greeted with a standing ovation at Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammys fête.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2026

Clive Pike's breath smells of cheese 'n' onion Outer Spacers, but who cares?

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

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