What does pawed mean?
“Pawed” is the past tense and past participle of “paw,” a verb describing the movement of an animal striking, scratching, or scraping with a paw. It can refer to a dog pawing at a door, a cat pawing a toy, or an animal pawing the ground. Figuratively, “pawed” describes people handling or searching through objects with rough, hurried, or grasping movements, as in “she pawed through the files.” The word is especially associated with domestic animals and their physical interaction with objects, but it can also carry a faintly dismissive or comic tone when used about human behaviour. Its vividness makes it useful for describing both determined animal activity and awkward, energetic searching.
To strike, scratch, dig, or scrape at something with a paw or claws.
"The puppy pawed the sand while the waves washed around its feet."
Often used with animals, especially dogs and cats.
To move the hands or feet through a rough, grasping, or searching motion.
"He pawed through the drawers looking for his keys."
The figurative use can suggest clumsiness, desperation, or a thorough but disorderly search.
A single determined paw can open a door, topple an object, or turn an ordinary moment into a comic performance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How pawed is actually used
The word is common in literal descriptions of animals and is often used figuratively for clumsy or persistent handling. The figurative sense can sound mildly disparaging when applied to a person's behaviour.
Easily confused with pawed
“Pawed” means to strike or scratch with a paw or claw, whereas “poured” means to flow or cause a liquid to flow.
“Pawed” refers to using the paws or claws, while “paled” can mean to become pale or to fence with stakes.