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
clasped; clasping; clasps
Synonyms
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
Medea Giordano, WIRED, 11 Apr. 2024
Finally, a blue crocodile leather strap with a three-fold clasp completes the picture.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
The homeowner explained to WFLA that the gator didn't need to try too hard to get in because only a magnetic clasp kept the door shut.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Its arrowhead clasp was drawn from a statue of Diana, the goddess of hunters, drawing a bow and arrow.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024
With a touch of Ken’s flair for opulence, Gosling wore a custom Gucci black tuxedo suit lined with sparkling beading, while Simu Liu opted for a black jacket cinched with a glittering brooch clasp.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024
Its seamless design ensures a smooth silhouette under any outfit, while the adjustable center clasp allows for customizable cleavage enhancement.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024
His comedy had choreography, a visual language of pointing, air-sawing and face clasps.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Six small clasps that hold the iron pieces in the medals are a wink at the 2.5 million rivets that bind the Eiffel Tower together.
—John Leicester, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024
Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2024
Trump attended Thursday’s arguments, listening intently with his hands sometimes clasped in front of him on the defense table as his attorneys pressed Cannon to throw out the case.
—Eric Tucker, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024
To McCann’s surprise, Kotey clasped her hand — an act that would be prohibited under some interpretations of Islamic law.
—Max Ufberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024
Billie dangled her black heels in her hands, clasped behind her with her handbag.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024
The camera then cut to a stunned Rodríguez, clasping her hands over her mouth as Navarro addressed her minutes before Lopez appeared at the table for her interview.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024
Black-and-white photographs testify to people standing in the street, strands clasped in fists.
—Ligaya Mishan Kyoko Hamada, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024
Make a fist with one hand, and clasp your other hand tightly around it.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024
The audience hung on his words, some with hands clasped, eyes brimming with emotion.
—Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2024
Noun
The collar should be durable, highly visible, and lightweight, with a breakaway clasp.
—Medea Giordano, WIRED, 11 Apr. 2024
Finally, a blue crocodile leather strap with a three-fold clasp completes the picture.
—Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024
The homeowner explained to WFLA that the gator didn't need to try too hard to get in because only a magnetic clasp kept the door shut.
—Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Its arrowhead clasp was drawn from a statue of Diana, the goddess of hunters, drawing a bow and arrow.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024
With a touch of Ken’s flair for opulence, Gosling wore a custom Gucci black tuxedo suit lined with sparkling beading, while Simu Liu opted for a black jacket cinched with a glittering brooch clasp.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024
Its seamless design ensures a smooth silhouette under any outfit, while the adjustable center clasp allows for customizable cleavage enhancement.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024
His comedy had choreography, a visual language of pointing, air-sawing and face clasps.
—Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024
Six small clasps that hold the iron pieces in the medals are a wink at the 2.5 million rivets that bind the Eiffel Tower together.
—John Leicester, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024
Verb
Trump attended Thursday's arguments, listening intently with his hands sometimes clasped in front of him on the defense table as his attorneys pressed Cannon to throw out the case.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Mar. 2024
Trump attended Thursday’s arguments, listening intently with his hands sometimes clasped in front of him on the defense table as his attorneys pressed Cannon to throw out the case.
—Eric Tucker, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2024
To McCann’s surprise, Kotey clasped her hand — an act that would be prohibited under some interpretations of Islamic law.
—Max Ufberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024
Billie dangled her black heels in her hands, clasped behind her with her handbag.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024
The camera then cut to a stunned Rodríguez, clasping her hands over her mouth as Navarro addressed her minutes before Lopez appeared at the table for her interview.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024
Black-and-white photographs testify to people standing in the street, strands clasped in fists.
—Ligaya Mishan Kyoko Hamada, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024
Make a fist with one hand, and clasp your other hand tightly around it.
—James Powel, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024
The audience hung on his words, some with hands clasped, eyes brimming with emotion.
—Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clasp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near clasp
Cite this Entry
“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clasp. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clasp
1 of 2 noun1
: a device for holding together objects or parts of something
2
: a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms
Medical Definition
clasp
noun
: a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place
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