clause

  noun
\ ˈklȯz  \
Definition of clause
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 2 SENSE 3B) sentenceThe 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 writingspecifically  : a
distinct article in a formal documenta clause in a contract

Other Words from  clauseMore Example

SentencesLearn More about  clause
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

Another complicating factor is Bumgarner’s no-trade clause, which

includes the ability to block a deal to Houston. — Kerry Crowley, The
Mercury News, "Bumgarner to Astros? Report says Giants ‘engaged’ with
Houston," 30 July 2019 But what jumped out at me was the
age clause  in the ban on Jewish domestic workers. — Masha
Gessen, The New Yorker, "The Weaponization of National Belonging, from Nazi
Germany to Trump," 21 July 2019
However, there is vehicle damage liability clause  in the law that
allows you to save a child. — Andrew Clark, Indianapolis Star, "It's legal in
Indiana to rescue kids and pets trapped in hot cars," 12 July 2019 There were
other factors — Turner was brought up early to showcase his
talents in 2012; he was soon traded for Anibal Sanchez — and in
the case of Andrew Miller in 2006, there was a contract clause  that
called for him to be called up that season. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit
Free Press, "Detroit Tigers mailbag: When will Riley Greene make it to majors?,"
11 June 2019 Within the bill is a grandfather clause granting cities
with current contracts to continue utilizing red light cameras until
the contract is over, unless the contract includes a clause  allowing
for early cancellation. — Chevall Pryce, Houston Chronicle, "New law halts
Jersey Village’s plan to reinstall red-light cameras," 6 June 2019 And at the end
of the law, there is a sacred clause  that allows me to eat them.
— John Kass, chicagotribune.com, "The apolitical backyard tomato garden," 29
June 2018 The district will pay out his 35 vacation days and there is a
non-disparagement clause  included as well. — Kathleen
Mcwilliams, Courant Community, "Newington Superintendent Resigns," 26 June
2018Whether 13 Reasons Why goes forward on Netflix, or just in the
minds of fans, what happened to Hannah will always be the
first clause  of the story.— Sarah Midkiff, refinery29.com, "13 Reasons Why
Creator Drops Hints About Possible Season 3," 3 June 2018
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to
reflect current usage of the word 'clause.' Views expressed in the examples do not
represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
See Less

First Known Use of clause

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for clause

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

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classes
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