# Clare

/ˈkɫɛɹ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clare
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a place in Ireland

noun · CEFR B2

a county in the west of Ireland known for its music and beautiful cliffs.

For teachers: a county located in the Mid-West Region of Ireland, within the province of Munster.

- We spent our summer holiday hiking along the coast of Clare.
- The traditional music scene in Clare remains a significant draw for tourists visiting the west of Ireland.

### 2. a person's name

noun · CEFR B1

a common first name for a woman, or a family name.

For teachers: a given name of Latin origin meaning 'clear' or 'bright', also appearing as a surname.

- Clare is coming over for dinner this evening.
- The author John Clare is best remembered for his evocative poetry concerning the English countryside and his observations of nature.

### 3. Cambridge college

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

a short way to say Clare College, which is part of Cambridge University.

For teachers: an elliptical reference to Clare College, the second-oldest surviving college of the University of Cambridge.

- He studied history at Clare during the nineties.
- The gardens at Clare are widely considered to be among the most picturesque in the entire university system.

### 4. a nun

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a nun who belongs to the Order of Saint Clare.

For teachers: a member of the Order of Saint Clare, an enclosed contemplative religious order for women in the Catholic Church.

- The convent was home to a small group of Clares who lived very simply.
- The spirituality of the Clares is rooted in the Franciscan tradition of poverty and communal prayer.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.