Pronunciation: /klɔː/
noun a sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal, especially a bird or reptile
A1 The cat used its claws to catch the mouse.
A2 The bird had sharp claws for hunting.
B1 The bear's claws were long and powerful.
B2 The eagle's claws were able to grip onto its prey tightly.
C1 The creature's claws were razor-sharp and deadly.
C2 The werewolf's claws tore through the flesh of its victims.
verb to scratch or tear something with claws or fingernails
A1 The cat tried to claw its way out of the room.
A2 She clawed at the dirt to find buried treasure.
B1 The prisoner clawed at the bars of his cell in desperation.
B2 The climber clawed his way up the steep rock face.
C1 The detective clawed through the evidence to find the truth.
C2 The politician clawed his way to the top of the political ladder.
formal The eagle used its sharp claw to catch its prey.
informal Ouch! The cat's claw scratched me.
slang I need to trim my nails, these claws are getting too long.
figurative The company's legal team is ready to claw back any lost profits.
clawed
claws
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have clawed
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clawing
clawed