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; clawing; claws
: to rake, seize, dig, or progress with or as if with claws
: 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
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Jiggs, the aggressor with the one-track mind, had his nose parted by the claw of a bobcat and almost died from a porcupine disaster which left his jaws and throat studded with broken and deeply imbedded quills.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2025
The Bulls have overcome an underwhelming start to the season to claw their way back into a likely third consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for claw
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Noun
The Hairpin Seller Reena Advani/NPR Nicole Zhang sells hairpins and claw clips.
—Steve Inskeep, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
Jiggs, the aggressor with the one-track mind, had his nose parted by the claw of a bobcat and almost died from a porcupine disaster which left his jaws and throat studded with broken and deeply imbedded quills.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Some, assuredly, still to form after clawing with Timberwolves in a regular-season night somehow unlike any other in a career of firsts.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 Apr. 2025
The Bulls have overcome an underwhelming start to the season to claw their way back into a likely third consecutive appearance in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for claw
Cite this Entry
“Claw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claw. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
claw
1 of 2 noun1
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
claw
2 of 2 verb
: to scratch, seize, or dig with or as if with claws
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