Clew Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A 'clew' is most commonly a nautical term meaning the lower corner of a sail to which ropes are fastened. Historically, it can also mean a ball of thread or a clue, as in a hint to find something.

Usage & Nuances

Modern usage is almost exclusively nautical. The older sense (as in 'clue') is now archaic. In everyday English, use 'clue' for hints; 'clew' appears mainly in sailing or historical contexts.

• Spanish: cabo (náutica) - pista (arcaico)
• Portuguese (BR): cabo (náutica) - pista (arcaico)
• Portuguese (PT): cabo (náutica) - pista (arcaico)
• Chinese (Simplified): 帆角（航海用语）- 线索（古用）
• Chinese (Traditional): 帆角（航海用語）- 線索（古用）
• Hindi: परचून का किनारा (समुद्री) - संकेत (पुराना अर्थ)
• Arabic: زاوية الشراع (مصطلح بحري) - دليل (قديم)
• Bengali: ক্লু (নৌবাহিন্যের পরিভাষা) - সুতোয় গাঁথা বল
• Russian: угол паруса (клёвая) - клубок ниток (истор.)
• Japanese: クリュー（帆の隅の部分） - 糸玉（古語）
• Vietnamese: điểm góc cánh buồm - cuộn chỉ (cổ)
• Korean: 클루(돛의 아랫부분, 해양 용어) - 실뭉치(고어)
• Turkish: yelken köşesi (clew) - ip yumağı (tarihsel)
• Urdu: کلیو (بادبان کا کونہ) - سوت کی گولی (قدیم)
• Indonesian: ujung layar (clew) - gulungan benang (kuno)

Example Sentences

The sailor tied the rope to the clew of the sail.

basic

The wind caught the clew and made the sail billow out.

natural

Don’t forget to check the clew before we set sail.

natural

Every clew must be secure before sailing.

basic

In old stories, a clew of thread helped heroes find their way.

basic

The old map gave us a small clew to find the hidden treasure.

natural