Dec 19, 2025 paw ˈpȯ 1 syllable uncommon ‹ noun. the foot of a quadruped (such as a lion or dog) that has claws; broadly: the foot of an animal noun. a human hand especially when large or clumsy verb. to touch or strike at with a paw pawed through the box of discount items verb. to feel or touch clumsily, rudely, or sexually verb. to scrape or beat with or as if with a hoof › Origin Middle English, from Anglo-French powe, poe.