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

The article cited several of Yenor’s viewpoints, including a post on the Claremont Institute’s website calling for the overturning of the 1996 Supreme Court ruling that found Virginia Military Institute was in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection clause by only allowing males. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Dec. 2025

While some players will still opt out and forgo this money, the clause in their contract can be seen as an attempt to incentive players to remain with the program for the final game of the season. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Dec. 2025

In 2024, Gaines and 18 other former college athletes filed a federal lawsuit against the NCAA, alleging that the association’s previous policy allowing trans athletes to compete in certain sports violated Title IX, the equal protection clause, and the plaintiffs’ right to bodily privacy. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 Dec. 2025

There’s also a clause that reimburses for home renovations—save your Lowe’s receipts. —Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 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

Rhymes for clause

• ahs
• baas
• cause
• claws
• coz
• daws
• draws
• flaws
• gauze
• gnaws
• haws
• hawse

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