Learn CLAWS meaning, definition, and synonym plus why CLAWS was a NYT Connections answer. See examples, etymology, pronunciation, and Scrabble tips.
What Does "CLAWS" Mean? The Complete Claws Definition
The meaning of CLAWS is most commonly the plural noun for the sharp, curved nails of an animal, especially a cat, bird, or crab. In this sense, the CLAWS definition refers to those pointed structures used for gripping, climbing, tearing, or defending. As a verb, “claws” can mean to scratch or tear with claws, or to use the hands in a grabbing, scraping way. In some contexts, people also use it figuratively, as in “claws at the truth” or “claws his way up,” where it suggests struggle or force.
If you are asking what does CLAWS mean, the short answer is that it usually describes an animal feature or an action connected to scratching and grabbing. The CLAWS meaning is straightforward in everyday English, though it can appear in word games because it is a common-looking plural form with several possible uses. Etymologically, “claw” comes from Old English clawu, related to Germanic roots for a hooked nail or grasping appendage.
Claws Synonyms: Words Similar to CLAWS
CLAWS synonyms include several words that overlap depending on whether you mean the body part, the action, or a metaphorical use.
Talons — More specific than claws, this usually refers to the sharp claws of birds of prey.
Nails — A broader term for hardened tips on fingers or toes, less animal-focused than claws.
Paws — Related to animals, but this names the whole foot rather than the claw itself.
Scratch — A verb synonym when CLAWS is used as an action, especially for scraping skin or surfaces.
Grapple — Fits the figurative sense of clinging or struggling, not the literal body part.
Tear — Works when CLAWS describes shredding or ripping with force rather than merely scratching.
Grip — Useful in metaphorical phrases where claws imply holding tightly or seizing.
How to Use "CLAWS" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few clear examples showing CLAWS in a sentence across different contexts.
The cat’s CLAWS caught the fabric as it jumped onto the sofa.
She CLAWS at the screen whenever she sees a spider, which is a very informal use.
The eagle’s talons, or CLAWS, were sharp enough to hold slippery prey.
He clawed his way back into the game, showing how the verb can mean to struggle upward.
CLAWS in NYT Connections #1120 — Why Did It Appear?
CLAWS Meaning, Definition & Synonym: NYT Connections
In NYT Connections #1120 on 2026-04-16, CLAWS appeared in the Blue category, the hardest group, titled “FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME.” The other words were BODYSUIT, MASK, and WHIP, so CLAWS fit as a costume accessory or trait associated with Catwoman. That made the puzzle tricky because players who didn’t know the theme could easily read CLAWS as a literal animal word instead of a comic-book costume feature. For anyone searching what does CLAWS mean in NYT Connections, this is a great example of how a familiar word can become misleading in a themed group.
Claws Word Origin and Etymology
The CLAWS origin traces back to Old English clawu, meaning a nail or hooked appendage, which is why the modern word still centers on sharpness and grasping. Over time, English expanded the word from animal anatomy to human actions like scratching, seizing, or fighting to hold on. This evolution is typical of many body-part terms: the literal sense comes first, and later figurative uses develop in everyday speech and writing.
In Middle English and later Modern English, “claw” remained strongly tied to animals, especially birds and cats, but it also became common in idioms such as “clawing for attention” or “claw your way to the top.” That shows how CLAWS used in English can be both literal and metaphorical. If you are studying CLAWS meaning in word games, the word is useful because it is short, common, and flexible across noun and verb uses.
Frequently Asked Questions About "CLAWS"
What does CLAWS mean? (Quick Answer)
The word CLAWS means the sharp, curved nails of an animal, or the act of scratching or tearing with them. It can also be used figuratively for forceful grabbing or struggling.
Is "CLAWS" a valid Scrabble word?
Yes. CLAWS is a real word and it is valid in Scrabble; it scores 10 points in standard English Scrabble. It’s a solid everyday play because it uses common letters and can sometimes hook onto existing words.
What is the best synonym for CLAWS?
The best CLAWS synonym depends on context: talons is best for birds of prey, while scratch fits the action sense. For a broader animal-body-part meaning, nails may also work.
How do you pronounce CLAWS?
CLAWS is pronounced klawz — one syllable, with the stress on the only syllable. It rhymes with “pause.”
Is CLAWS used in everyday English?
Yes, CLAWS is used in everyday English in both literal and figurative ways. Someone might talk about a cat’s claws, a bird’s claws, or say a person “clawed their way” through a difficult situation.
