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
Beal still had two years and $110.8 million remaining on his contract at that point, and his no-trade clause gave him the power to scuttle any deal involving him, which might have been a deal-breaker for potentially interested suitors.
—
Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
If Buxton is completely unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, which appears to be the case, the rumors should end here.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of USMNT forward Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven after activating a €35million release clause in his contract with the Dutch club.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 12 July 2025
The lawsuit is seeking a declaratory judgment, which essentially would clarify the legality of the non-compete clause.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clause
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Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
If Buxton is completely unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, which appears to be the case, the rumors should end here.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of USMNT forward Malik Tillman from PSV Eindhoven after activating a €35million release clause in his contract with the Dutch club.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 12 July 2025
The lawsuit is seeking a declaratory judgment, which essentially would clarify the legality of the non-compete clause.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 10 July 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 23 Jul. 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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