claw

noun
UK: /klɔː/
US: /klɔː/

  1. A sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird.

    1. The cat has a claw.
    2. The bird used its claw to grip the branch firmly, preventing it from falling.

  2. The grasping part of a crab, lobster, or other shellfish.

    1. I ate the crab's claw.
    2. The lobster used its powerful claw to crush the shell of its prey effectively.

  3. A tool or part of a machine that is shaped like a claw and used for gripping things.

    1. The hammer has a claw.
    2. The mechanic used the claw of the hoist to lift the heavy engine block precisely.

Synonyms

rip nail talon pincer scratch scrape
claw verb

  1. To scratch or tear something with claws or with something that resembles claws.

    1. The cat will claw you.
    2. The frightened animal tried to claw its way out of the confined space anxiously.

  2. To grasp or seize something roughly or eagerly.

    1. They clawed at the prize.
    2. Desperate, the climbers began to claw at the icy wall in an attempt to ascend.
claw intransitive-verb

  1. To move forward slowly and with difficulty, typically using your hands.

    1. He clawed back points.
    2. The team had to claw their way back into the game after a slow start.
claw transitive-verb

  1. To recover something slowly or with great effort.

    1. She clawed back her money.
    2. The business had to claw back its reputation after the scandal negatively affected sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "claw" in English means: A sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal or bird., The grasping part of a crab, lobster, or other shellfish., A tool or part of a machine that is shaped like a claw and used for gripping things..

The phonetic transcription of "claw" is /klɔː/ in British English and /klɔː/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "claw": rip, nail, talon, pincer, scratch, scrape.

Example usage of "claw": "The cat has a claw.". More examples on the page.