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
There is a clause that would allow those who invest in the new round to ask for their money back if OpenAI doesn't revamp its corporate structure within two years, according to a source.
—
Ina Fried, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024
The state Constitution does allow the Legislature to add an emergency clause to have a law take effect immediately, but a bill with an emergency clause must pass with a two-thirds majority.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024
The motion to dismiss was brought by two of Trump's codefendants, John Eastman and Shawn Still, on grounds related to the supremacy clause.
—Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2024
The stock value has been steadily declining for weeks in anticipation of the Sept. 19 expiration date of the clause preventing Trump from selling his shares.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clause 
Ina Fried, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024
The state Constitution does allow the Legislature to add an emergency clause to have a law take effect immediately, but a bill with an emergency clause must pass with a two-thirds majority.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024
The motion to dismiss was brought by two of Trump's codefendants, John Eastman and Shawn Still, on grounds related to the supremacy clause.
—Olivia Rubin, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2024
The stock value has been steadily declining for weeks in anticipation of the Sept. 19 expiration date of the clause preventing Trump from selling his shares.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 11 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clause
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clause.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Dictionary Entries Near clause
Cite this Entry
“Clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clause. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
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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