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
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There is a misconception that enabling captioning might violate the privacy clauses of HIPAA if the platform stores the captions.
—
Zina Jawadi, Alex Chern, STAT, 28 May 2024
Although WeWork included a noncompete clause in Neumann’s 2019 exit agreement that prevented him from competing with or soliciting the company, the clause expired last October, and Neumann had been aggressively pursuing a takeover bid, reportedly promising to beat any competing offer by 10%.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 28 May 2024
Because of a clause in the initiative declaring gig workers independent contractors not eligible for workers’ comp, the whole law could be thrown out.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024
Hobbs credited Cook with adding an emergency clause to effectuate Arizona joining the compact on Friday upon her signing the HB 2751 into law.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for clause 
Zina Jawadi, Alex Chern, STAT, 28 May 2024
Although WeWork included a noncompete clause in Neumann’s 2019 exit agreement that prevented him from competing with or soliciting the company, the clause expired last October, and Neumann had been aggressively pursuing a takeover bid, reportedly promising to beat any competing offer by 10%.
—Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 28 May 2024
Because of a clause in the initiative declaring gig workers independent contractors not eligible for workers’ comp, the whole law could be thrown out.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 21 May 2024
Hobbs credited Cook with adding an emergency clause to effectuate Arizona joining the compact on Friday upon her signing the HB 2751 into law.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 18 May 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 Jun. 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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