clutch
KLUHCH
Clutch (verb) means to grip or hold onto something tightly. Example: “She clutched her bag as the train jolted forward.”
verb
1
To grip or hold onto something tightly.
"She clutched her bag as the train jolted forward."
"He clutched his chest in pain."
"The toddler clutched her teddy bear and refused to let go."
noun
1
The pedal or mechanism in a vehicle that disengages the engine from the wheels while changing gear.
"He pressed the clutch before shifting into second gear."
"My foot slipped off the clutch and the car stalled."
"The mechanic said the clutch was worn and needed replacing."
2
A small handbag without straps, carried in the hand.
"She matched her dress with a gold clutch."
"She kept her phone and lipstick in a small velvet clutch."
"He bought his sister a leather clutch for the wedding."
adj
1
Performing well under pressure, especially in sport (informal, chiefly US).
"He's known as a clutch player who scores in the final minutes."
"Everyone wants a clutch goalkeeper when the match goes to penalties."
"Her clutch performance in the last round won the title."
How to use clutch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo grip something tightly; also a car part, a type of small handbag, or (informally) reliable under pressure.
Common mistake
The car "clutch" and the handbag "clutch" are completely different senses of the same word — context makes the meaning obvious.
Common pairings
clutch at
press the clutch
a clutch bag
a clutch performance
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Word forms
- Plural
- clutches
- Third person singular
- clutches
- Past tense
- clutched
- Comparative
- more clutch
- Superlative
- most clutch
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her bag as the train jolted forward.
Etymology
From Old English clyċċan, "to clutch or clench", related to a very old root meaning to ball up or amass.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for clutch
See all rhymes for clutch →Frequently asked questions
What does “clutch” mean?
The word “clutch” means to grip or hold onto something tightly. In plain terms, to grip something tightly; also a car part, a type of small handbag, or (informally) reliable under pressure.
How do you pronounce “clutch”?
“Clutch” is pronounced KLUHCH (/ˈklʌt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clutch” in a sentence?
Here is “clutch” used in a sentence: “She clutched her bag as the train jolted forward.”
What part of speech is “clutch”?
Depending on how it is used, “clutch” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “clutch” come from?
The word “clutch” comes from Old English. From Old English clyċċan, "to clutch or clench", related to a very old root meaning to ball up or amass.
Is “clutch” a common word?
“Clutch” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “clutch” have?
“Clutch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to grip or hold onto something tightly.
What is the difference between clutch and grab?
Grab means to take hold of something quickly, and often roughly. Clutch means to grip or hold on tightly and keep hold, frequently out of fear, urgency, or desperation.
What is the difference between clutch and clasp?
To clutch something is to grip it tightly, often suddenly or anxiously. To clasp is to hold firmly too, but it usually suggests a gentler, more deliberate hold or embrace, or the act of fastening.
What does the clutch do in a car?
In a vehicle, the clutch is the pedal or mechanism that disengages the engine from the wheels while you change gear. Pressing the clutch lets the driver switch gears smoothly without stalling the engine.
Why are some athletes described as 'clutch'?
In informal American English, an athlete is called clutch when they perform especially well under pressure, such as scoring at a decisive moment. Used as an adjective, it praises someone's reliability in high-stakes situations.
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