clasp

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a device (such as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
b
: a device (such as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded
2
: a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

clasped; clasping; clasps

transitive verb

1
: to fasten with or as if with a clasp
a robe clasped with a brooch
2
: to enclose and hold with the arms
specifically : embrace
3
: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

Examples of clasp in a Sentence

Noun Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me? be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt Verb She clasped her purse shut. He clasped the keys to his belt. He clasped her hand gently. She clasped her son in her arms.
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
Developed over two years, the Serpenti Aeterna watch snaking around the wrist features a clasp closure mechanism and signature hexagonal scales etched in the inner contour. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025 And the integrated bracelet now has a triple-blade clasp for improved security. Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
In the audience, Wade Sr. nodded slowly, his hands clasped. D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 The players’ victory cries echoing off the walls, Al-Khelaifi greeted each of them in turn, clasping their heads between his hands and bellowing his congratulations into their ears. Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clasp

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English claspe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clasp was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clasp. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

clasp

1 of 2 noun
1
: a device for holding together objects or parts of something
2
: a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2 verb
1
: to fasten with or as if with a clasp
2
: to enclose and hold with the arms
especially : embrace
3
: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp
clasper noun

Medical Definition

clasp

noun
: a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place

More from Merriam-Webster on clasp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!