# claw

/ˈkɫɔ/ (US) · /klˈɔː/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. animal nail

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The cat sharpened its claws on the side of the old sofa.
- The eagle extended its powerful claws as it descended toward the lake to snatch a fish from the surface.

### 2. pincer

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- Be careful of the crab's claw when you pick it up.
- The lobster used its larger crushing claw to break open the shells of smaller mollusks on the ocean floor.

### 3. mechanical tool

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The hammer has a claw on one side for pulling out nails.
- The operator used the hydraulic claw to lift the heavy scrap metal into the recycling bin.

### 4. to scratch or tear

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The frightened dog tried to claw its way out of the wooden crate.
- The survivors had to claw through the debris with their bare hands to reach the supplies buried underneath.

### 5. to struggle for progress

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- The team had to claw their way back into the game after losing three goals.
- After the market crash, the small firm had to claw its way back to profitability over several difficult years.

## Examples

- The cat used its sharp claws to climb the tree.
- The eagle gripped the branch tightly with its powerful claws before taking flight.
- Paleontologists examined the fossilized remains, noting that the length and curvature of the claws suggested a predatory lifestyle involving arboreal hunting.

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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.