clause

noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The latter clause — the principle that Palestinian refugees and their descendants have a right to return to land that became Israel — is not explicitly mentioned in the boycott literature on the FWP website. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 If the Panthers had to shed salary, Rodrigues and his $3 million cap hit would be an easy move to cut into the deficit, especially since nearly every other player on the roster making significant money has no-movement clauses in their contract. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025 Washington then paid her buy-out clause, believed to be worth €350,000 (£303,000/$407,000), and Braghin proudly and powerlessly bade her farewell. James Horncastle, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 People implemented racist clauses in housing deeds and rejected or offered outrageously predatory lending terms to nonwhites, permitting exceptions occasionally to Asians only by assuming their proximity to whiteness or to American militarism. Arabelle Sicardi, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clause

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of clause was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clause. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

clause

noun
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
: 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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on clause

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