claw

1 of 2

noun

ˈklȯ 

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

ˈklȯd 

adjective

clawlike

ˈklȯ-ˌlīk 

adjective

see also:

red in tooth and claw

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

Noun

The snake tried to circle and squeeze, but the rat lashed with her claws and teeth. — Madeline Ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Orioner There's also a fold-out claw that can hook on to handles and ledges, giving you yet another way to use your phone hands-free. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

On and off the court, Miller approaches his job with an earnestness born out of clawing for every minute off the bench. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Since retaking the pitch in 2018-19, Belenenses has clawed its way back to relevance, winning five consecutive promotions. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing claw

• bear claw
• claw back
• claw-foot
• claw hammer
• claw one's way
• devil's claw
• hanging lobster claw
• lobster claw
• red in tooth and claw
• tack claw

Rhymes for claw

• aah
• ah
• ahh
• aw
• awe
• bah
• blah
• bra
• caw
• craw
• daw
• draw

Kids Definition

claw

1 of 2 noun

ˈklȯ 

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

ˈklȯd 

adjective

clawlike

ˈklȯ-ˌlīk 

adjective

claw

2 of 2 verb

: to scratch, seize, or dig with or as if with claws

Medical Definition

claw

noun

ˈklȯ 

: a sharp usually slender and curved nail on the toe of an animal

clawed

ˈklȯd 

adjective