Meaning & Definition of word "Clutch"

Clutch

/klʌtʃ/

noun:

  • 1. A device that engages and disengages power transmission, especially in vehicles.
    • Example: He pressed the clutch to switch gears smoothly while driving.
  • 2. A group of eggs laid by a bird, or a set of items held together.
    • Example: The mother hen was sitting on her clutch of eggs, keeping them warm.
  • 3. A tight grasp or hold.
    • Example: In a clutch of panic, he reached for his phone.

verb:

  • 1. To grasp or hold tightly.
    • Example: She clutched the railing as she ascended the stairs.
  • 2. To seize or grab something forcefully.
    • Example: The child clutched his toy bear while watching the movie.

adjective:

  • 1. Crucial or decisive, especially in a critical situation.
    • Example: She made a clutch play in the final minutes of the game.

Etymology

Middle English clutchen, to clutch or clutch at, from Old English clyccan.

Common Phrases and Expressions

clutch performance:

A performance executed at a critical moment.

in the clutch:

In a critical situation where pressure is high.

clutch play:

A decisive play that determines the outcome of a game.

Related Words

clutcher:

A person who clutches or seizes tightly.

clutch bag:

A small handbag without handles.

clutching:

The act of grasping or holding tightly.

Slang Meanings of clutch

Meaning: In sports, a term used to describe a player who performs exceptionally well under pressure.

Example Sentence: That quarterback is so clutch; he always comes through in the last minutes.

Meaning: Something that is impressive or outstanding.

Example Sentence: That last-minute goal was clutch!