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

Posey did not draw out the process by haggling with Willy Adames or balk at a no-trade clause or give pause to breaking his own record for the largest contract in franchise history. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

The looming threat of AI has continued to panic the film and TV industry, and regulations around the craft became a linchpin clause through the SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025

The argument opposing the intentional creation of racial districts is that the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment demands the same treatment of all citizens regardless of race, banning any distinction even when designed to benefit minorities. —Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025

The Cardinals looked to trade Arenado last offseason but were unsuccessful in finding a partner that the future Hall of Famer was willing to waive his no-trade clause for. —MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 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