clause

noun

ˈklȯz 

1

: a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex (see complex entry 2 sense 1b(2)) or compound (see compound entry 3 sense 3b) sentence

The sentence "When it rained they went inside" consists of two clauses: "when it rained" and "they went inside."

2

: a separate section of a discourse (see discourse entry 1 sense 2) or writing

specifically : a distinct article in a formal document

a clause in a contract

Examples of clause in a Sentence

The sentence “When it rained they went inside” consists of two clauses: “when it rained” and “they went inside.”

a clause in a will

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the store’s 30-day termination clause, the store will close no later than early February, mall officials said. OdysseyVR did not immediately return McClatchy News’ request for comment on Jan. 8. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 8 Jan. 2025

Beal, the 31-year-old former All-Star, would also have to waive his no-trade clause again to facilitate a move if the Suns had an interest in trading him. —Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

No other settlements involving chases reviewed by The Star included the confidentiality clause. —Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2025

An earlier report published Sunday night revealed that Arenado, who has played the last four seasons of his 10-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, would waive his no-trade clause to allow a move to Fenway Park. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin clausa close of a rhetorical period, from Latin, feminine of clausus, past participle of claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing clause

• census clause
• coordinate clause
• dependent clause
• domestic emoluments clause
• elections clause
• emoluments clause
• enumeration clause
• escape clause
• foreign emoluments clause
• grandfather clause
• independent clause
• main clause
• nonrestrictive clause
• reserve clause
• restrictive clause
• subordinate clause

Kids Definition

clause

noun

ˈklȯz 

1

: a separate distinct part of an article or document

a clause in a will

2

: a group of words having its own subject and predicate but forming only part of a compound or complex sentence (as "when it rained" or "they went inside" in the sentence "when it rained, they went inside")

Legal Definition

clause

noun

ˈklȯz 

: a distinct section of a writing

specifically : a distinct article, stipulation, or proviso in a formal document

a no-strike clause in the collective bargaining agreement

clausal

ˈklȯ-zəl 

adjective