claw

A sharp, curved nail on an animal’s foot, used for gripping, climbing, or scratching.

• The cat caught its claw in my sleeve.
• The eagle gripped the branch with its claws.
• A single claw had left a deep mark on the wood.

Common phrases: sharp claw, cat claw, claw marks, curved claw

One of the two strong body parts a crab or lobster uses to hold things and defend itself.

• The crab raised one claw.
• She cracked the lobster’s claws to reach the meat.
• A crayfish can grip food with its claws.

Similar words: pincer, chela

Common phrases: crab claw, lobster claw, claw meat

To scratch or tear something using sharp nails, an animal’s feet, or your fingers.

• The cat clawed my hand.
• She clawed at the tight rope around her wrists.
• Stop the kitten from clawing the sofa.

How to use it: claw at someone/something (The cat clawed at the closed door.)

Similar words: scratch, tear at

Common phrases: claw at something, claw someone’s face, claw the furniture