One syllable: Claws.
klawz
/klɔz/
Claws is pronounced klawz (/klɔz/). It has one syllable (Claws), with the stress on "Claws". Claws is the plural of claw, referring to the sharp curved nails of animals or the gripping parts of tools and devices. It can also describe a physical feature that resembles a claw. In everyday use, claws denote talon-like appendages or serrated edges used for grasping, scratching, or defense. The term often conveys animalistic or feral imagery in descriptive writing.
nounClaws is the plural of claw, referring to the sharp curved nails of animals or the gripping parts of tools and devices. It can also describe a physical feature that resembles a claw. In everyday use, claws denote talon-like appendages or serrated edges used for grasping, scratching, or defense. The term often conveys animalistic or feral imagery in descriptive writing.
"The cat tucked its claws into the chair as it surveyed the room."
"The bird’s claws gripped the branch firmly."
"The pirate’s hook had razor-sharp claws for cutting rope."
Claws is pronounced /klɔːz/ in UK and US General American; the initial cluster is /kl/, the vowel is an open back rounded /ɔː/ (like “law” but longer), and it ends with /z/. The stress is on the single syllable, with a voiced alveolar sibilant at the end. If you’re practicing, start with /kl/ then open the jaw to a rounded /ɔː/ and finish with /z/ in one swift motion. Audio reference: you can compare with words like ‘claw’ and ‘law’ to hear the elongated vowel before z.”,
Common errors include turning /ɔː/ into a shorter /ɒ/ (as in ‘cot’) or misplacing the /l/ so it isn’t clearly released before /ɔː/. Another frequent slip is de-voicing the final /z/ (pronouncing it as /s/). To correct: keep your jaw lowered for the open /ɔː/ and ensure the /l/ is light but clear, then finish with a precise voiced /z/. Practicing minimal pairs like ‘claw’ vs ‘claws’ helps feel the final z.”,
In US and UK non-rhotic contexts, /klɔːz/ tends to have a longer, rounded back vowel; US General American often rhymes with 'laws' but with a clearer /ɔː/ and a stronger final z. Australian English generally uses a similar /ɔː/ quality but with slightly higher tongue position and more centralized vowel height. The /l/ remains clear, and the /z/ is consistently voiced. The main difference is vowel length and quality of /ɔː/, with slight regional vowel shifts across US, UK, and AU.
The difficulty lies in coordinating a rounded, open /ɔː/ vowel with a single, voiced final /z/ after a consonant cluster /kl/. The /l/ must be clearly released before the vowel onset, and the final /z/ should be fully voiced without a fricative or devoicing. Speakers often blur the /l/ into the /ɔː/ or mispronounce the final as /s/. Focusing on the mouth shape for /ɔː/ and finishing with a crisp /z/ helps clarity.
Unlike many monosyllabic words, claws ends with a voiced consonant /z/, not a hissy /s/. This requires active vocal fold vibration through the end of the syllable and a lighter, precise release from /ɔː/ into /z/. The tip-to-tongue contact for /l/ should be light and the tongue body should depress slightly to allow the /ɔː/ to resonate without obstruction.
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Claws traces to Middle English clowen, from Old Norse klórr or Old High German klok; related forms appear in various Germanic languages. The word originally denoted sharp projections on animal limbs or weapons. Over time, its figurative use expanded to describe any similar protruding, grasping apparatus (like the claws of a crab or the curved metal edge on a tool). By the 14th century, English writers used claws to describe talonlike structures in fauna; by the 19th century, mechanical or figurative uses expanded in science, engineering, and fiction. The semantic core centers on sharp, curved, gripping projections that enable grasping, scratching, or tearing, with the sense gradually broadened from literal anatomical claws to metaphorical “claws” of danger or aggression.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Claws" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Claws" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Claws" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Claws"
-aws sounds
-me) sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
