1. a social gathering or party, typically outdoors, where clams and other seafood are cooked and eaten
Usage: common in New England and coastal U.S. regions
2. a confused or disorganized event or situation; a mess
Usage: informal; figurative

Examples

• We're planning a clambake on the beach next Saturday with friends and family.
• The town hosts an annual clambake that draws hundreds of visitors.
• The meeting turned into a complete clambake when everyone started arguing.
• Fresh lobster and clams are the main attractions at a traditional New England clambake.
• After the miscommunication, the project became a clambake of competing ideas.
• They dug a pit in the sand to prepare for the clambake.
• The clambake was a huge success, with plenty of food and good company.