Skip to main content

claw — a curved pointed nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a curved pointed nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals

Pronunciation (IPA): /klɔː/

Example Sentences

  • My cat thinks the expensive leather sofa is her personal claw sharpener
  • The eagle's powerful claws can catch prey from great heights
  • He clawed desperately at the rope to pull himself up

claw

NOUN

[/klɔː/]

a curved pointed nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals

Image coming soon

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/klɔː/
🇬🇧 UK/klɔː/

🌳Etymology

Rootclaw

Origin

Claw derives from Proto-Germanic *klawō, meaning 'hook-shaped object' or 'talon'. The word has maintained its core meaning through Germanic languages, consistently denoting the curved, pointed appendages found on animals' feet.

Breakdown

Proto-Germanic *klawō (hook, claw, talon) → Old English clawu/clawe → modern English claw. The root likely relates to the concept of something curved or hooked in nature.

🎵Rhyme

law
raw
saw
draw
jaw

🔗Collocations

sharp claws
claw marks
retract claws
claw at something
lobster claw
claw hammer
bear claw

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat thinks the expensive leather sofa is her personal claw sharpener”

“The eagle's powerful claws can catch prey from great heights”

“He clawed desperately at the rope to pull himself up”

😄 Fun example

“The crab waved its claws threateningly, as if saying 'Come at me, bro!'”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.