clout
Clout (noun) means Influence or power, especially in politics or business. Example: “As a major donor, she carries a lot of clout with the party leadership.”
How to use clout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReal-world influence or power — or, in its older sense, a solid hit or whack.
The "hit" sense is informal/dated; the "influence" sense is the one most common in modern usage, especially in politics and media.
Word forms
clouted past tense, clouts plural, clouts singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
As a major donor, she carries a lot of _____ with the party leadership.
Etymology
From Old English clūt, originally "a piece of cloth" or "metal plate" — the "influence" sense developed much later, notably in Chicago political slang, before spreading more widely.
Related words
Rhymes for clout
See all rhymes for clout →Frequently asked questions
What does “clout” mean?
The word “clout” means influence or power, especially in politics or business. In plain terms, real-world influence or power — or, in its older sense, a solid hit or whack.
How do you pronounce “clout”?
“Clout” is pronounced klowt (/klaʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “clout” in a sentence?
Here is “clout” used in a sentence: “As a major donor, she carries a lot of clout with the party leadership.”
What part of speech is “clout”?
Depending on how it is used, “clout” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clout” come from?
The word “clout” comes from Old English. From Old English clūt, originally "a piece of cloth" or "metal plate" — the "influence" sense developed much later, notably in Chicago political slang, before spreading more widely.
How many meanings does “clout” have?
“Clout” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: influence or power, especially in politics or business.