Claw

/klɔː/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A sharp, curved, pointed appendage on the foot of an animal, especially a bird or a mammal.

The eagle used its sharp claws to capture the fish from the water.

A device resembling a claw, used for grasping or holding onto something.

He used a claw to pick up the difficult-to-reach objects from the shelf.

The part of a mechanical device that grips or claw-like structure.

The robotic arm had a claw that could easily lift heavy objects.

verb

To tear, scratch, or dig with claws.

The cat clawed at the furniture, leaving visible marks.

To reach out with a claw-like motion.

He clawed his way up the rocky hill, desperately trying to find a handhold.

Middle English: from Old English 'clawu', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'klauw' and German 'Klaue'.

claw one's way

To work hard to achieve something.

to have claws out

To be aggressive or confrontational.

claw back

To recover or regain something.

talon

A sharp claw, especially of a bird of prey.

clutch

To grip or grasp tightly.

scratcher

An object used to scratch, such as a cat scratching post.

To handle or manipulate something eagerly or aggressively.

He really clawed his way to the top of the corporate ladder.

A way to describe someone's hand when they are grasping something tightly.

Her claws were digging into my arm when she got scared.