clasp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklasp 

1

a

: a device (such as a hook) for holding objects or parts together

b

: a device (such as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded

2

: a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

clasped; clasping; clasps

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clasp

a robe clasped with a brooch

2

: to enclose and hold with the arms

specifically : embrace

3

: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

Synonyms

Noun

• clench
• grapple
• grasp
• grip
• handgrip
• handhold
• hold

Verb

• bear-hug
• crush
• embrace
• enclasp
• enfold
• grasp
• hug
• strain

Examples of clasp in a Sentence

Noun

Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me?

be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt

Verb

She clasped her purse shut.

He clasped the keys to his belt.

He clasped her hand gently.

She clasped her son in her arms.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Saldaña’s necklace has a panther head at the clasp with a rectangular emerald jewel at its mouth, with contrasting black jewels for the animal’s stripes. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 3 Mar. 2025

The custom dress featured a one-shoulder bodice with a statement gold clasp. —Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025

Verb

Christian Eidson, Tench’s good friend of 10 years, silently wept in the courtroom — one hand clasping his lips and the other holding his round glasses in his lap — as Robinson appeared in a bright orange Mecklenburg Detention Center uniform. —Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

The first lady's coin features a black and white photo of Melania smiling with her hands clasped in front of her face. —Chandelis Duster, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English claspe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clasp

• clasp knife

Rhymes for clasp

• asp
• gasp
• grasp
• rasp

Kids Definition

clasp

1 of 2 noun

ˈklasp 

1

: a device for holding together objects or parts of something

2

: a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2 verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with a clasp

2

: to enclose and hold with the arms

especially : embrace

3

: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

clasper noun

Medical Definition

clasp

noun

ˈklasp 

: a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place