clasp

1 of 2

noun

ˈklasp How to pronounce clasp (audio)
Synonyms of claspnext
1
a
: a device (such as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
b
: a device (such as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded
2
: a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

clasped; clasping; clasps

transitive verb

1
: to fasten with or as if with a clasp
a robe clasped with a brooch
2
: to enclose and hold with the arms
specifically : embrace
3
: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

Synonyms of clasp

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of clasp in a Sentence

Noun Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me? be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt Verb She clasped her purse shut. He clasped the keys to his belt. He clasped her hand gently. She clasped her son in her arms.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Picking the urchins up from their niches just takes a little clasp and a wiggle with a pair of tongs. — Joseph Ogilvy, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 Complementing the case is an orange rubber strap with a titanium clasp. — Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
Embiid appeared to wonder during the national anthem where the Knicks' championship banner was hanging in the rafters as James sat nearby on the bench with his head bowed and hands clasped. — CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 The upshot of this is that George, who works the room in a sharp gray suit, a few tattoos peeking out, has plenty of opportunities to charismatically make things right, shaking hands and clasping shoulders and sending over lull-filling drinks. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clasp

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English claspe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clasp was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing clasp

Rhymes for clasp

See All Rhymes for clasp

Browse Nearby Words

-clasite
clasp
clasper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clasp. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

clasp

1 of 2 noun
ˈklasp How to pronounce clasp (audio)
1
: a device for holding together objects or parts of something
2
: a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2 verb
1
: to fasten with or as if with a clasp
2
: to enclose and hold with the arms
especially : embrace
3
: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp
clasper noun

Medical Definition

clasp

noun
ˈklasp How to pronounce clasp (audio)
: a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place
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