clawed

American

[klawd] / klɔd /

adjective

having claws (sometimes used in combination).

sharp-clawed.

Other Word Forms

unclawed adjective

Etymology

Origin of clawed

First recorded in 1250–1300, clawed is from the Middle English word claued. See claw, -ed ³

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hallgrimsson's side could have been out of sight but for the post which denied Jason Molumby in the second period and Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar who clawed away a Parrott header.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Super Micro’s stock clawed back some ground Monday as the market bounced on the latest Iran war development.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

While the Lancers clawed back to within five points, the gap only widened from there.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

Both leaders famously clawed their way to the top from unlikely beginnings -- Lee worked in a sweatshop to support his family, while Lula dropped out of school to sell peanuts and shine shoes.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

He clawed his way forward on his hands and knees, inching his way across the shaking ground.

From "I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964" by Lauren Tarshis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023