# paw

/ˈpɔ/ (US) · /pˈɔː/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. animal foot

noun · CEFR A2

the soft foot of an animal that has claws, like a cat, dog, or bear.

For teachers: the soft, padded foot of a mammal, typically a quadruped, equipped with claws or nails.

- The cat licked its front paw after finishing its bowl of milk.
- The biologist examined the muddy tracks, noting the distinct impression of the bear's heavy paw and sharp claws.

### 2. human hand

noun · CEFR B2 · Humorous · Informal

a person's hand.

For teachers: a human hand, used in a playful or slightly disrespectful manner.

- Get your dirty paws off my clean white shirt.
- He reached out with his giant paws and grabbed the tiny sandwich in one go.

Teaching tip: This is often used when someone is touching something they should not be touching.

### 3. animal scratching

verb · CEFR B1

when an animal touches or hits something with its foot.

For teachers: to strike or scrape with a paw or foot, often repeatedly.

- The dog began to paw at the door because it wanted to go outside.
- The stallion began to paw the ground impatiently, sensing the approach of the other horses.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'at'.

### 4. touching clumsily

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to touch someone or something in a rough, clumsy, or unwanted way.

For teachers: to handle or touch someone or something in a clumsy, intrusive, or sexually aggressive manner.

- I didn't like the way he was pawing at my expensive silk dress.
- She felt uncomfortable when the stranger started pawing her arm during the conversation.

Usage: Usually carries a negative or critical tone.

Teaching tip: In a social context, this often implies the touching is unwelcome or lacks social grace.

## Examples

- The dog licked its muddy paw after the walk.
- The cat sat on the windowsill, carefully cleaning each paw with its tongue.
- The fresh snow revealed a clear set of bear paws leading away from the campsite toward the dense forest.

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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.