paw

1 of 2

noun

ˈpȯ 

1

: the foot of a quadruped (such as a lion or dog) that has claws

broadly : the foot of an animal

2

: a human hand especially when large or clumsy

paw

2 of 2

verb

pawed; pawing; paws

transitive verb

1

: to touch or strike at with a paw

2

: to feel or touch clumsily, rudely, or sexually

3

: to scrape or beat with or as if with a hoof

4

: to flail at or grab for wildly

intransitive verb

1

: to beat or scrape something with or as if with a hoof

2

: to touch or strike with a paw

3

: to feel or touch someone or something clumsily, rudely, or sexually

4

: to flail or grab wildly

5

: to search especially carelessly or roughly

pawed through the box of discount items

Examples of paw in a Sentence

Noun

The dog injured his paw.

Verb

The bull was pawing the dirt.

The celebrity couple was pawed by a mob of adoring fans.

She claims that her boss got drunk and tried to paw her at the company Christmas party.

A crowd of customers was pawing over the remaining sales items.

She pawed through her purse to find her cell phone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other dog body language indicating discomfort is the dog turning its back, lying with its head in its paws or wriggling and struggling to get away. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Bustling households with crawling toddlers or a pack of mud-prone paws may benefit from even more frequent mopping, while empty nesters may get away with once a month. —Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025

Verb

In the clip, Finn is seen eagerly sniffing and pawing at the bush, seemingly hopeful that the magical kebab might reappear. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Unusual pet behavior, such as excessive barking or pawing in a particular area of the house, is a sign that mice may have moved in. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French powe, poe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing paw

• cat's-paw

Kids Definition

paw

1 of 2 noun

ˈpȯ 

1

: the foot of a four-footed animal (as a lion or dog) having claws

also : the foot of an animal

2

: a human hand especially when large or clumsy

paw

2 of 2 verb

1

: to touch or strike with a paw

2

: to touch or handle clumsily or rudely

pawed the merchandise

3

: to scrape or beat with or as if with a hoof

4

: to grab at wildly

5

: to search especially carelessly or roughly

pawed through the box of letters