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
In 2022, Chiles sued in federal court, arguing that the state’s conversion therapy ban violated the Free Speech and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment.
—
Abby Monteil, Them, 10 Mar. 2025
Among those constraints were Ricketts’ mandate to avoid going over the luxury tax, and the no-trade clause of Seiya Suzuki, who eventually was not traded and will be used as the primary DH.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
The headline has been Blues captain Brayden Schenn, who has a full no-trade clause and controls his future.
—Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
Adaptive Contracts: Include clauses to renegotiate terms aligned with evolving needs and unexpected events.
—Mit Somaiya, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clause
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Abby Monteil, Them, 10 Mar. 2025
Among those constraints were Ricketts’ mandate to avoid going over the luxury tax, and the no-trade clause of Seiya Suzuki, who eventually was not traded and will be used as the primary DH.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
The headline has been Blues captain Brayden Schenn, who has a full no-trade clause and controls his future.
—Jeremy Rutherford, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
Adaptive Contracts: Include clauses to renegotiate terms aligned with evolving needs and unexpected events.
—Mit Somaiya, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clause
Articles Related to clause
Cite this Entry
“Clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clause. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clause
noun1
: 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")
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