clause

noun

ˈklȯz 

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

Since her actions did not affect the legislative process, the report suggests she is not protected by the Constitution’s speech and debate clause. —Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 22 Dec. 2024

Pursuing Nolan Arenado so aggressively across the past 10 days should’ve been the final one, but Arenado invoking his no-trade clause prompted at least some speculation that Bregman could still be in play. —Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024

Maybe third baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals will reassess the parameters of his no-trade clause due to recent developments involving former teammate Goldschmidt. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Jr., Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Houston recently tried to trade for St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Arenado, but Arenado reportedly trumped the deal with his no-trade clause. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing clause

• census clause
• coordinate clause
• dependent clause
• domestic emoluments clause
• elections clause
• emoluments clause
• enumeration clause
• escape clause
• foreign emoluments clause
• grandfather clause
• independent clause
• main clause
• nonrestrictive clause
• reserve clause
• restrictive clause
• subordinate clause

Kids Definition

clause

noun

ˈklȯz 

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 

: 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 

adjective