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 standings do not adjust for soreness and playoff seedings do not offer a sympathy clause. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026

Every other union agreement with US Refining, Terminals and Pipelines has an extended industrial 80-plus day peace clause, according to BP. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

Due to a clause in the family trust, however, Becket still has a chance to inherit the family fortune and all the luxuries that come with it. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2026

Some leases include a clause explaining what happens if the property is sold. —Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 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
• 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