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
The league has opt-out clauses with its partners for the end of the decade.
—
Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Pressly waived his no-trade clause to join the Cubs and be a closer.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Among them, star shortstop Carlos Correa waived his no-trade clause to return to the Houston Astros in the team’s most shocking move at the deadline.
—Betsy Helfand, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
The contracts can be complicated, sometimes including nondisclosure agreements or noncompete clauses.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clause
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Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Pressly waived his no-trade clause to join the Cubs and be a closer.
—Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Among them, star shortstop Carlos Correa waived his no-trade clause to return to the Houston Astros in the team’s most shocking move at the deadline.
—Betsy Helfand, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
The contracts can be complicated, sometimes including nondisclosure agreements or noncompete clauses.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clause
Cite this Entry
“Clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clause. Accessed 4 Aug. 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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