clause

[klawz]

noun

1. Grammar.,  a syntactic construction containing a subject and predicate and forming part of a sentence or constituting a whole simple sentence.

2. a distinct article or provision in a contract, treaty, will, or other formal or legal written document.

clause

/ klɔːz /

noun

1. grammar a group of words, consisting of a subject and a predicate including a finite verb, that does not necessarily constitute a sentence See also main clause subordinate clause coordinate clause

2. a section of a legal document such as a contract, will, or draft statute

clause

1. A group of words in a sentence that contains a subject and predicate. (See dependent clause and independent clause.)

Other Word Forms

• clausal adjective
• subclausal adjective
• subclause noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of clause¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English claus(e), from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin clausa, back formation from Latin clausula clausula

Word History and Origins

Origin of clause¹

C13: from Old French, from Medieval Latin clausa a closing (of a rhetorical period), back formation from Latin clausula, from claudere to close

Example Sentences

Supreme Court found that affirmative action in university admissions violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

From Los Angeles Times

Leaders in Los Angeles County are exploring a similar measure to ban masks despite some legal experts’ view that the supremacy clause of the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Adamson plays the band's pompous new promoter while Godliman plays the daughter of their late manager who is now looking after their legal affairs in light of a newly discovered chart return gig clause.

From BBC

He doesn't deliver straight-forward soundbites, instead often embarking on a sentence but adding several clauses before he gets to the point.

From BBC

Standard mortgage documents commonly include an occupancy clause that requires the borrower to use the property as their principal residence for at least a year.

From Salon

Related Words

• article 
• paragraph 
• passage 
• provision 
• requirement 
• section 
• specification 
• stipulation