# clause

/ˈkɫɔz/ (US) · /klˈɔːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clause
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 3. computing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a part of a command or a search query in a computer language.

For teachers: a constituent part of a formal statement or query in a programming or database language, such as SQL.

- The 'WHERE' clause in the database search helps you find specific names.
- The developer optimized the query by adding an index to the columns referenced in the 'JOIN' clause.

Usage: Typically refers to specific keywords and the parameters that follow them.

## Examples

- The contract includes a clause about working from home.
- When you add a dependent clause to the beginning of a sentence, you usually need to follow it with a comma.
- The union representatives refused to sign the revised agreement until management removed the penalty clause targeting workers who participated in unofficial strikes.

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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.