paw
3 synonyms for paw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The foot of a clawed animal such as a dog or cat.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use paw
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
paw at the door
paw prints
Etymology
From Old French poe, of uncertain deeper origin, possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "to poke" or "put."
Full origin of paw →Frequently asked questions
What does “paw” mean?
The word “paw” means the foot of a clawed animal such as a dog or cat. In plain terms, an animal's foot, or the act of touching/scraping with one.
How do you pronounce “paw”?
“Paw” is pronounced paw (/pɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “paw” in a sentence?
Here is “paw” used in a sentence: “The puppy left muddy paw prints across the kitchen floor.”
What part of speech is “paw”?
Depending on how it is used, “paw” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “paw” come from?
The word “paw” comes from Old French. From Old French poe, of uncertain deeper origin, possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "to poke" or "put.".
Is “paw” a common word?
“Paw” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “paw” have?
“Paw” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the foot of a clawed animal such as a dog or cat.
