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
Karlsson, Rust, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin have full-no movement clauses and other thirty-somethings like Rickard Rakell and Kevin Hayes have modified no-trade clauses.
—
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Included among them are a two-time Cy Young Award winner, a former batting champion, and several All-Stars whose contracts expired or contained opt-out clauses.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Considering the Yankees' other needs -- with re-signing outfielder Juan Soto at the top of their offseason to-do list -- voiding Cole's opt-out clause makes the most sense.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
On an 11-0 vote, council members instructed the city attorney to draft an ordinance removing the remodel clause.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clause 
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.
Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Included among them are a two-time Cy Young Award winner, a former batting champion, and several All-Stars whose contracts expired or contained opt-out clauses.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Considering the Yankees' other needs -- with re-signing outfielder Juan Soto at the top of their offseason to-do list -- voiding Cole's opt-out clause makes the most sense.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
On an 11-0 vote, council members instructed the city attorney to draft an ordinance removing the remodel clause.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clause
Articles Related to clause
Dictionary Entries Near clause
Cite this Entry
“Clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clause. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clause
noun1
: 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")
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share