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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Strappy sandals, sneakers and loafers came down the runway, too, but the real standouts were the enticingly offbeat studded loafers with clasp detailing, which came in white, blush, violet and hunter green. Violet Goldstone, WWD, 17 Sep. 2024 In the video, one of the woman’s young daughters whimpers and the other clasps tightly to her distraught, Mickey ears headband-wearing mother while begging strangers for help. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2024
Verb
In the one photo the pop icon shared of the pair, she and Morris, 28, stood side-by-side with their hands each clasped together in a room decorated with fake cobwebs. Escher Walcott, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Conclave begins with the image of a cardinal tensely making his way along a Roman highway late at night, his crimson biretta cap clasped tightly in his hand. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clasp 

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 1 Dec. 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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