clasp

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a device (such as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
b
: a device (such as a bar) attached to a military medal to indicate an additional award of the medal or the action or service for which it was awarded
2
: a holding or enveloping with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

clasped; clasping; clasps

transitive verb

1
: to fasten with or as if with a clasp
a robe clasped with a brooch
2
: to enclose and hold with the arms
specifically : embrace
3
: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp

Examples of clasp in a Sentence

Noun Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me? be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt Verb She clasped her purse shut. He clasped the keys to his belt. He clasped her hand gently. She clasped her son in her arms.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
To prevent accidental choking, each necklace has a safety clasp that can easily be pulled in the case of an emergency. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 The bracelet secures with a folding clasp, featuring three steel blades and the Moser logo, a subtle nod to the brand's attention to detail. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 The bag of the season was a no-nonsense cross-body with metal clasps. Colleen Barry, Quartz, 22 Feb. 2024 As for accessories, the Dawson's Creek star opted for a pair of earrings and a white clutch with a gold clasp, giving her a sophisticated look. Chloé Versabeau, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2024 Her top also featured a choker detail with a buckle clasp. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024 Bryant says to look for a carrier with a secure lid or clasp and comfortable, padded handles to help keep your casserole level while carrying. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2023 While the gems are arguable the star of the show, this watch gets the unique addition of Akoya pearls on the crown and bracelet, which also features a little more sparkle in the form of 48 princess-cut diamonds on the decorative links and 55 diamonds on the fold over clasp. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024 Getting the phone in and out of the mount was easy, with the weight of the phone automatically adjusting the clasps. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2024
Verb
Black-and-white photographs testify to people standing in the street, strands clasped in fists. Ligaya Mishan Kyoko Hamada, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 Make a fist with one hand, and clasp your other hand tightly around it. James Powel, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 The audience hung on his words, some with hands clasped, eyes brimming with emotion. Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2024 Dumbbell Chopper: Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, with your core engaged, hands clasped together, or holding a small towel. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 30 Jan. 2024 The photo in question shows Kardashian and her oldest daughter North West in three-quarter profile, smiling at the camera and clasping hands. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 28 Dec. 2023 Gisela is clasping Christine’s arm, and her spy husband, dressed in a dark trench coat, is smiling, ever so slightly. Ian Shapira, Washington Post, 17 Dec. 2023 At his Wednesday performance in Bucharest, Romania, Di Meola began to clasp his chest in the middle of his set before reportedly walking off stage. Caroline Brew, Variety, 30 Sep. 2023 Walking out with their heads held high, the friends clasp hands for a brief instant while looking warmly at each other. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clasp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English claspe

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clasp was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near clasp

Cite this Entry

“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clasp. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clasp

1 of 2 noun
1
: a device for holding together objects or parts of something
2
: a holding or embracing with or as if with the hands or arms

clasp

2 of 2 verb
1
: to fasten with or as if with a clasp
2
: to enclose and hold with the arms
especially : embrace
3
: to seize with or as if with the hand : grasp
clasper noun

Medical Definition

clasp

noun
: a device designed to encircle a tooth to hold a denture in place

More from Merriam-Webster on clasp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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