ENGLISH
REFERENCE

claw

n. · v.
US //ˈkɫɔ// UK //klˈɔː// claw
  1. 1 animal nail (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    one of the sharp, curved nails on the feet of animals like cats, birds, or bears.

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

    Example

    The cat sharpened its claws on the side of the old sofa.

    Example

    The eagle extended its powerful claws as it descended toward the lake to snatch a fish from the surface.
  2. 2 pincer (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the sharp, biting part of a sea creature like a crab or lobster.

    the pincer-like organ, or chela, of a crustacean or other arthropod.

    Example

    Be careful of the crab's claw when you pick it up.

    Example

    The lobster used its larger crushing claw to break open the shells of smaller mollusks on the ocean floor.
    • pincer
    • nipper
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  1. 3 mechanical tool (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a tool or part of a machine that is shaped like an animal's claw for gripping things.

    a mechanical device or attachment designed to mimic the gripping function of an animal's claw.

    Example

    The hammer has a claw on one side for pulling out nails.

    Example

    The operator used the hydraulic claw to lift the heavy scrap metal into the recycling bin.
  2. 4 to scratch or tear (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to scratch or pull at something roughly with your nails or fingers.

    to scratch, tear, or dig at a surface using claws or fingernails.

    Example

    The frightened dog tried to claw its way out of the wooden crate.

    Example

    The survivors had to claw through the debris with their bare hands to reach the supplies buried underneath.
  3. 5 to struggle for progress (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    to work very hard to achieve something or move forward when it is difficult.

    to make progress or achieve a goal through great effort and persistence, often against resistance.

    Example

    The team had to claw their way back into the game after losing three goals.

    Example

    After the market crash, the small firm had to claw its way back to profitability over several difficult years.
Etymology 1

From Middle English clawe, from Old English clawu, from Proto-Germanic *klawō. Compare West Frisian klau, Dutch klauw, German Klaue, Danish klo, Norwegian klo, and Swedish klo.

Etymology 2

From Middle English clawen, from Old English clawan, clāwan, clēn, clawian, from Proto-Germanic klawjaną.

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