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

If Barca can't get him the green light to play again, Olmo will be able to leave for free because of a clause in his contract which runs until 2030, as explained by Mundo Deportivo. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

But because of the escalator clause in Soto’s contract that can take his total salary to $805 million, the Yankees were $45 million short. —Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024

Susan Horowitz, an education lawyer at the Legal Aid Society, said such waivers were rare in a school context, even amid an increase in arbitration clauses being included in payment agreements and contracts for other services. —Claire Fahy, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024

The Department of Justice has a long-standing policy that criminal proceedings against a sitting president undermine the separation of powers and violate the supremacy clause of the Constitution. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 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