English · Word Candidate

claw

/klɔ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: claws · clawing · clawed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A curved, pointed, horny projection on each digit of the foot of a mammal, reptile, or bird.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A foot equipped with such.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To scratch or to tear at.

Verb

Examples

Using her hands like windshield wipers, she tried to flick snow away from her mouth. When she clawed at her chest and neck, the crumbs maddeningly slid back onto her face. She grew claustrophobic.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To use the claws to seize, to grip.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “claw” mean?

A curved, pointed, horny projection on each digit of the foot of a mammal, reptile, or bird.

Is “claw” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.