Meaning and usage of the word claw in English

Meaning of vocabulary claw

clawnoun

vuốt

/klɔː//klɔː/

Origin of the word claw

In Old English, "claw" referred specifically to the sharp, curved nails of birds, such as eagles and hawks. Over time, the word expanded to include the talons of other animals, like cats and bears. In the 14th century, the term "claw" also began to describe the grasping or seizing action associated with these sharp nails or talons. Today, the word "claw" has taken on a broader meaning, encompassing a variety of sharp or curved structures, from fingernails to claws used as tools or instruments. I hope that's a helpful scratching post of information for you!

Vocabulary summary claw

typenoun

meaningclaw (cat, bird)

examplethe tiger clawed at the pig

meaningclawed feet

meaningpincers...)

typetransitive verb

meaningclaw

examplethe tiger clawed at the pig

meaningscratch; tear (with claws)

meaningscratch

Example of vocabulary clawnamespace

meaning

one of the sharp curved nails on the end of an animal’s or a bird’s foot

  • The cat lashed out with its claws.
meaning

a long, sharp curved part of the body of some types of shellfish, used for catching and holding things

  • the claws of a crab
meaning

part of a tool or machine, like a claw, used for holding, pulling or lifting things

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary claw

Idioms of vocabulary claw

get your claws into somebody
(disapproving)to manage to get into a relationship with somebody in a way that gives you control over them
  • She’s really got her claws into you!
to criticize somebody severely
  • Wait until the media gets its claws into her.
red in tooth and claw
involving opposition or competition that is violent and without sympathy
  • nature, red in tooth and claw

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