Plastic clay — also known as ordinary wet clay, refers to a type of clay that possesses a malleable and pliable nature when moistened. It is called "plastic" due to its ability to be easily shaped and molded into various forms. Plastic clay contains a high percentage of fine particles, allowing it to retain water and exhibit plasticity.

When water is added to plastic clay, it becomes soft and workable, allowing artists, potters, and ceramicists to shape it into desired forms. Its plasticity makes it ideal for hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, as well as for wheel throwing.

After the desired form is created, plastic clay is typically subjected to a drying process to remove excess moisture before being fired in a kiln. The firing process transforms the plastic clay into a hardened ceramic material, solidifying the shape and making it suitable for various applications such as pottery, sculpture, and tile production.