declaw

verb

de·​claw (ˌ)dē-ˈklȯ How to pronounce declaw (audio)
declawed; declawing; declaws

transitive verb

: to remove the claws of (an animal, such as a cat) surgically

Examples of declaw in a Sentence

We had our cats declawed.
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.
Along with her anxiety, Mia also has her two front paws declawed. Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025 In October 2022, Maryland joined New York in banning cat declawing operations. Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025 According to Danielle Bays of Humane World for Animals, roughly one-fifth of all cats are still subjected to declawing. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2025 Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, D.C. all have outlawed cat declawing. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for declaw

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of declaw was in 1953

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Cite this Entry

“Declaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/declaw. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

declaw

transitive verb
de·​claw (ˌ)dē-ˈklȯ How to pronounce declaw (audio)
: to remove the claws of (a cat) usually with the nail matrix and all or part of the last bone of the toe
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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