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.
The pair could meet again, with both fighters having rematch clauses in their contracts. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Force majeure clauses excuse a party from performance when an unforeseeable external event like extreme weather or war makes performance impossible or impractical. — Ashlee Difuntorum, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Bills with an urgency clause require a two-thirds vote in both chambers, rather than a simple majority, to pass to the governor’s desk. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 On July 14, the city passed a measure responding to Cain’s tort, amending its contract with Flock Safety to remove a clause that would allow the company to mine data from cameras put up in Wilder to improve its machine learning. — Noah Daly august 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 Aug. 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 Sep. 2026.

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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
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