paw
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the soft foot of an animal that has claws, like a cat, dog, or bear.
n.the soft, padded foot of a mammal, typically a quadruped, equipped with claws or nails.
Simple“The cat licked its front paw after finishing its bowl of milk.”
In context“The biologist examined the muddy tracks, noting the distinct impression of the bear's heavy paw and sharp claws.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person's hand.
n.a human hand, used in a playful or slightly disrespectful manner.
Simple“Get your dirty paws off my clean white shirt.”
In context“He reached out with his giant paws and grabbed the tiny sandwich in one go.”
Teacher's tipThis is often used when someone is touching something they should not be touching.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.when an animal touches or hits something with its foot.
v.to strike or scrape with a paw or foot, often repeatedly.
Simple“The dog began to paw at the door because it wanted to go outside.”
In context“The stallion began to paw the ground impatiently, sensing the approach of the other horses.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'at'.
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to touch someone or something in a rough, clumsy, or unwanted way.
v.to handle or touch someone or something in a clumsy, intrusive, or sexually aggressive manner.
Simple“I didn't like the way he was pawing at my expensive silk dress.”
In context“She felt uncomfortable when the stranger started pawing her arm during the conversation.”
UsageUsually carries a negative or critical tone.
Teacher's tipIn a social context, this often implies the touching is unwelcome or lacks social grace.
Synonymsgropemanhandle
From Middle English pawe, from Old French poue, poe, from Frankish pōta, from Frankish pōtōn (“to put, stick, plant”), from Proto-Germanic *putōną, whence also Old English potian (“to push”), pȳtan (“to put out, poke out”). See more at put. Doublet of pote, put, and putt. Cognate with Dutch poot, poten (“to plant”), Low German Pote, German Pfote, Icelandic pota (“to stick”).
The word probably has an origin in baby talk. See pa.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.