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

Wood said the bear’s claws had opened her son’s upper-right lip and nostril, requiring stitches. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

Known for its namesake stone crab claws and key lime pie, the bustling and warm atmosphere makes Joe’s a must-visit. — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Verb

The rope around my left thigh pinched and clawed at the butterflies inked on my skin. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026

The Michigan city clawed its way back from bankruptcy in 2014 and has seen something of a revival in recent years. — CBS News, 1 July 2026

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

Rhymes for claw

• aah
• ah
• ahh
• aw
• awe
• bah
• blah
• bra
• caw
• craw
• daw
• draw

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