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clou

American  
[kloo] / klu /

noun

  1. a major point of interest or attention.


Etymology

Origin of clou

1880–85; < French: literally, a nail < Latin clāvus

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 name of the restaurant — clou translates to “nail” in French — conveys “something that holds the greatest attention,” much like Cartier’s signature Juste Un Clou bracelet, says Stefanelli.

From Washington Post • Jan. 24, 2023

The com�die was well acted, a little long, but the clou of the evening was the ballet-pantomime, danced by all the prettiest women in Rome.

From Italian Letters of a Diplomat's Life January-May, 1880; February-April, 1904 by Waddington, Mary Alsop King

Finally, in the evening, we had the clou of the performance, the reception of the diplomatic body.

From Memoirs (Vieux Souvenirs) of the Prince de Joinville by Loyd, Lady Mary Sophia (Hely-Hutchinson)

With regard, to the clou of his plot, however, I can hardly say so much.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 159, December 1, 1920 by Seaman, Owen, Sir

It is the clou of their performance for a week's engagement at the Paris Folies-Bergère.

From The Mountebank by Locke, William John

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