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.

The Spice Girl turned fashion designer clawed her way out of debt and posted record profits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

The tech-focused Nasdaq, meanwhile, ended modestly higher on the session while the S&P 500 has clawed back all of its declines since the start of Monday trading to finish four points in the green.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

But Nvidia and Amazon.com clawed back their early losses to finish the day in the green.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

I am mesmerized by their perfect tiny beaks, their creamy clawed feet, and their layered gray feathers that fold together like a beautiful silk fan.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

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