claw

1 of 2

noun

ˈklȯ 

often attributive

1

: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal

2

: any of various sharp curved processes especially at the end of a limb (as of an insect)

also : a limb ending in such a process

3

: one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (such as a lobster or scorpion)

4

: something that resembles a claw

specifically : the forked end of a tool (such as a hammer)

clawed

ˈklȯd 

adjective

clawlike

ˈklȯ-ˌlīk 

adjective

claw

2 of 2

verb

clawed; clawing; claws

transitive verb

: to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws

intransitive verb

: to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws

Examples of claw in a Sentence

Noun

The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws.

The excavating machine's claw dug into the earth.

the claw of a hammer

Verb

How can we stop the cat from clawing the drapes?

The dog clawed a hole in the carpet.

She tried to claw his face with her fingernails.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And nothing beats a classic claw clip—thank goodness for Machete, France Luxe, and Emi Jay for timeless styles sure to be worn again and again. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2024

Read more: Atlas V rocket launches its final national security mission for US military (video) The Crab's claws A new mosaic of the Crab Nebula by the mighty James Webb Space Telescope was released in June. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Verb

Once the grant money is spent, Trump and Republicans are highly unlikely to be able to claw it back. —Paulina Smolinski, CBS News, 20 Dec. 2024

Gordon sticks out an arm… And claws it over the bar. —Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu hoof, claw; akin to Old Norse klō claw, and probably to Old English cliewen ball — more at clew

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing claw

• bear claw
• claw back
• claw-foot
• claw hammer
• claw one's way
• devil's claw
• hanging lobster claw
• lobster claw
• red in tooth and claw
• tack claw

Kids Definition

claw

1 of 2 noun

ˈklȯ 

1

a

: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal (as a cat or bird)

b

: a sharp curved extension especially if at the end of a limb (as of an insect)

also : one of the pincerlike organs on some limbs of arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)

2

: something that resembles a claw in shape or use

clawed

ˈklȯd 

adjective

clawlike

ˈklȯ-ˌlīk 

adjective

claw

2 of 2 verb

: to scratch, seize, or dig with or as if with claws

Medical Definition

claw

noun

ˈklȯ 

: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal

clawed

ˈklȯd 

adjective