A claw is the sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal like a cat, eagle, or lobster. Unlike human fingernails, claws are designed for gripping, climbing, hunting, or defending. A cat's claws retract into its paws when not needed, popping out when the cat needs to climb a tree or catch a mouse. An eagle's claws, called talons, are powerful enough to snatch fish right out of the water. A bear's claws help it dig for roots and climb trees to escape danger or find food.

The word also means to scratch or tear at something with claws or fingernails. A cat might claw at furniture (much to its owner's dismay), or someone buried in sand might claw their way to the surface. When we say someone clawed their way to success, we mean they fought hard to achieve something despite difficult obstacles, like a rock climber clawing their way up a steep cliff face.

Unlike fingers with their flexible grip, claws are built for piercing and holding tight. That's why predators have them, and why even small animals with claws can defend themselves surprisingly well.