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 deal was intended to last three years though there was a clause allowing the parties to end it earlier. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

The legal clause requires the city to never change the name of the War Memorial Youth Center and to continue using the property for youth recreational activities for Gables children. — Michelle Marchante september 28, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Hanging over all of this is Article 5, NATO’s collective defense clause. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

Oklahoma officials had argued that allowing the school into the program would violate the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which bars the government from establishing a state religion, an argument the judge rejected. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2026

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
• force majeure 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