clause

noun

ˈklȯz How to pronounce clause (audio)
1
: a group of words containing a subject and predicate and functioning as a member of a complex (see complex entry 2 sense 1b(2)) or compound (see compound entry 3 sense 3b) sentence
The sentence "When it rained they went inside" consists of two clauses: "when it rained" and "they went inside."
2
: a separate section of a discourse (see discourse entry 1 sense 2) or writing
specifically : a distinct article in a formal document
a clause in a contract

Examples of clause in a Sentence

The sentence “When it rained they went inside” consists of two clauses: “when it rained” and “they went inside.” a clause in a will
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.
If a renewal comes up, AI may draft it flawlessly and return it in two days, with balanced clauses and sensible redlines. — Patrick O'Connor, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 In Vermont a proposal would amend the state constitution to include an equal protection clause that would guarantee rights for gender identity and gender expression. — Jahd Khalil, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 Owen did not directly answer Heytens’s hypothetical question, instead insisting that the law at the center of the lawsuit was a violation of the contracts clause of the Constitution, which bars states from passing laws impairing public contracts. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors told the judge on Tuesday that the FBI was limited in its interactions with the committee because of the Constitution's Speech and Debate clause, which insulates the legislative branch's deliberative process from the executive branch. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clause

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin clausa close of a rhetorical period, from Latin, feminine of clausus, past participle of claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clause was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing clause

Rhymes for clause

See All Rhymes for clause

Browse Nearby Words

clausal
clause
Clausewitz
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

clause

noun
ˈklȯz How to pronounce clause (audio)
1
: a separate distinct part of an article or document
a clause in a will
2
: a group of words having its own subject and predicate but forming only part of a compound or complex sentence (as "when it rained" or "they went inside" in the sentence "when it rained, they went inside")

Legal Definition

clause

noun
ˈklȯz How to pronounce clause (audio)
: a distinct section of a writing
specifically : a distinct article, stipulation, or proviso in a formal document
a no-strike clause in the collective bargaining agreement
clausal
ˈklȯ-zəl How to pronounce clause (audio)
adjective
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Pyrrhic

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
couple-laugh-cafe
Quiz: Foreign Phrases You Should Know Check out your bona fides and avoid any faux pas.
See All