What does claw mean?
A claw is a curved, pointed nail found on the toe of many animals — including cats, dogs, birds of prey, reptiles, and crustaceans — that serves for gripping, climbing, digging, or tearing. In birds of prey the term 'talon' is more specific, while in crabs and lobsters the large grasping limbs are called claws or pincers. By extension, 'claw' describes any curved, pincer-like part of a machine or tool, such as the claw of a hammer used to extract nails. As a verb, to claw is to scratch, clutch, or tear at something using claws or fingernails, and figuratively it suggests desperate or forceful effort, as in 'to claw one's way to the top'. The word carries connotations ranging from natural animal anatomy to aggression or struggle, depending on context. It is a common, versatile term in both everyday speech and descriptive writing about animals, tools, and human effort.
A curved, pointed nail on the toe of an animal, used for gripping, climbing, or tearing.
"The tiger's claws left deep marks on the tree trunk."
A curved, pincer-like part of a machine or tool, resembling an animal's claw.
"He used the claw of the hammer to pull out the bent nail."
To scratch, grip, or tear at something with claws or fingernails.
"The trapped fox clawed frantically at the earth, trying to dig its way out."
Regular plural; simply add -s.
"The owl's razor-sharp claws are perfectly adapted for catching prey."
The word 'claw' traces back over a thousand years to Old English 'clawu' — making it older than most words you'll use today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of claw
The word 'claw' derives from the Old English 'clawu', meaning the claw or hoof of an animal. It is cognate with similar Germanic forms, including Middle Dutch 'clāwe' and Old High German 'klāwa', pointing to a common Proto-Germanic root. The verb sense developed from the noun in Middle English. Related Germanic words include 'cleat' and possibly 'cleave', all tracing back to notions of gripping or splitting.
Related word forms
How claw is actually used
As a noun, 'claw' is neutral in register. As a verb, it often carries a connotation of urgency, desperation, or violence ('clawed his way to the top', 'clawed at the door'). The plural is regular: claws.
Easily confused with claw
A craw is the crop of a bird (its stomach pouch), whereas a claw is a curved nail on an animal's toe.