English Meaning & Definitions
A curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot of a mammal, bird, or reptile.
- “The cat dug its claws into the upholstery.”
- “The eagle caught its prey with sharp talons and claws.”
To scratch, tear, or pull at something with claws or fingernails.
- “The frightened animal began to claw at the door.”
- “She tried to claw her way to the surface of the water.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “claw”.
Old English "clawu", from Proto-Germanic "*klawō", ultimately related to the root of the verb "cleave" (to adhere or cling) and "clamber", referring to a curved, hooked appendage used for grasping or tearing.
Think of a cat saying 'C-L-A-W' as it scratches the furniture with its sharp nails.
Frequently Asked Questions About “claw”
1. What is the meaning of “claw” in English?
In English, claw (noun) is defined as: “A curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot of a mammal, bird, or reptile.”.
2. How do you use “claw” in a sentence?
“The cat dug its claws into the upholstery.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “claw”?
Old English "clawu", from Proto-Germanic "*klawō", ultimately related to the root of the verb "cleave" (to adhere or cling) and "clamber", referring to a curved, hooked appendage used for grasping or tearing.
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