WordGarden.iopaw
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɔː/
US
- /ˈpɔ/
Meanings
Noun
the foot of an animal such as a dog, cat, or bear
a person's hand, especially a large or clumsy one
Verb
to scrape, strike, or feel at something with a paw
to touch, handle, or search through something with the hands in a rough or clumsy way
to touch someone in a rough, eager, or sexual way
Beyond the definition
We usually think of paws as belonging to animals: cats walking softly, dogs digging with energy, or bears leaving huge prints in the mud. A paw is simply the foot of an animal, often with soft pads and claws. But "paw" is not just about animals. You can also "paw" at something, which means to reach out and touch it again and again in a clumsy way, like a child impatiently pawing at a wrapped gift. In a more negative sense, it can describe someone touching another person too much or in an unwelcome way, such as saying someone was "pawing at" another person's arm to get their attention.
Think of a playful kitten batting a toy with its paw, or a loyal dog offering its paw for a shake. It's a small part of an animal, but it can tell you a lot about their mood and intentions!
The word "paw" most commonly refers to the foot of an animal, especially mammals like cats, dogs, bears, and lions. Unlike human hands, which have opposable thumbs for grasping, paws typically feature thick pads on the underside for cushioning and claws (sometimes retractable) for gripping, digging, or defense. You might describe a cat's paw as "velvety" or a bear's paw as "massive."
However, "paw" extends beyond animal anatomy. As a verb, to "paw" at something means to touch or handle it repeatedly—often in an eager, clumsy, or impatient way. Imagine a child excitedly pawing at presents under the Christmas tree, or someone nervously pawing through papers looking for a lost document. This usage implies a lack of finesse and a certain level of tactile urgency.
Figuratively and socially, "paw" can also describe someone who is being physically intrusive or unwantedly "handsy." To say someone is "pawing at" another person suggests they are touching them in a way that is clumsy, overbearing, or inappropriate. Occasionally, the word is used humorously to refer to a person's hands, as in "Get your paws off my lunch!"
So, whether you're admiring the delicate prints left by a wild animal, watching a pet offer its paw for a greeting, or describing someone's clumsy eagerness, "paw" connects the physical world of animals to the tactile—and sometimes awkward—behaviors of humans.
Examples
- 1
Dog body
The dog lifted one paw and waited for a treat.
- 2
Animal tracks
The cat left muddy paw prints across the kitchen floor.
- 3
Pet behavior
The puppy put its front paws on my knees.
- 4
Door scratching
Our dog pawed at the door until someone let him out.
- Patternpaw at + object
touch or scratch it repeatedly with a paw or hand
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Horse behavior
The horse pawed the ground nervously before the race.
- Phrasepaw the ground
scrape the ground with a hoof
- 6
Rough searching
I pawed through the pile of papers looking for the receipt.
- Patternpaw through + things
search through them quickly and roughly
- 7
Joking command
Get your paws off my phone.
- Usagepaws
hands, used informally or jokingly
- 8
Unwanted touching
She moved away when he started pawing at her arm.
- Cautionpaw at someone
touch them in a rough or unwanted way
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pawnounverb
Forms
- pawspluralnounverb
- pawing-ing formverbnoun
- pawedpast tenseverbnoun