claw

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
1
: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
2
: any of various sharp curved processes especially at the end of a limb (as of an insect)
also : a limb ending in such a process
3
: one of the pincerlike organs terminating some limbs of various arthropods (such as a lobster or scorpion)
4
: something that resembles a claw
specifically : the forked end of a tool (such as a hammer)
clawed adjective
clawlike adjective

claw

2 of 2

verb

clawed; clawing; claws

transitive verb

: to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws

intransitive verb

: to scrape, scratch, dig, or pull with or as if with claws

Examples of claw in a Sentence

Noun The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws. The excavating machine's claw dug into the earth. the claw of a hammer Verb How can we stop the cat from clawing the drapes? The dog clawed a hole in the carpet. She tried to claw his face with her fingernails.
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.
Noun
Her naked body was gashed with claw marks; her left arm and most of her right leg had been eaten down to the bone. Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 25 Nov. 2024 Maine lobsters have much larger claws than many other lobster types. Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
His magic was fleeting, but Spencer appeared to ignite the Warriors, whose starters returned and clawed within 12 at halftime. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2024 Karpov had taken a seemingly unassailable 5-0 lead early on, but Kasparov clawed his way back, winning the 32nd, 47th and 48th game to make it 5-3. Issy Ronald, CNN, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for claw 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu hoof, claw; akin to Old Norse klō claw, and probably to Old English cliewen ball — more at clew

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of claw was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near claw

Cite this Entry

“Claw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claw. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

claw

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal (as a cat or bird)
b
: a sharp curved extension especially if at the end of a limb (as of an insect)
also : one of the pincerlike organs on some limbs of arthropods (as a lobster or scorpion)
2
: something that resembles a claw in shape or use
clawed adjective
clawlike adjective

claw

2 of 2 verb
: to scratch, seize, or dig with or as if with claws

Medical Definition

claw

noun
: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal
clawed adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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