noun
paw
paw
noun
1
The foot of a clawed animal such as a dog or cat.
"The puppy left muddy paw prints across the kitchen floor."
verb
1
For an animal to touch, scrape, or dig at something with a paw.
"The cat pawed at the door until someone let her in."
2
(informal) To touch someone clumsily or unwantedly, especially in a sexual way.
"She pulled away, annoyed at being pawed at on the dance floor."
How to Use Paw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn animal's foot, or the act of touching/scraping with one.
Common pairings
paw at the door
paw prints
Word Forms
pawed past tense, paws plural, paws singular
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Etymology
From Old French poe, of uncertain deeper origin, possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "to poke" or "put."