bear claw: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Culinary, Specialized (in certain contexts)
Quick answer
What does “bear claw” mean?
A type of sweet pastry, shaped to resemble the large claw of a bear, typically made with yeast dough and filled with almond paste or other fillings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of sweet pastry, shaped to resemble the large claw of a bear, typically made with yeast dough and filled with almond paste or other fillings.
A literal claw of a bear. It can also refer to a defensive tool, like brass knuckles, shaped like claws, or to a type of ice climbing equipment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'bear claw' is understood but not a common bakery item; the concept is more firmly established in North American cuisine. The term for the pastry is almost exclusively American.
Connotations
In the US, it primarily evokes a specific pastry. In the UK, it's more likely to evoke the literal animal part or be recognised as an Americanism.
Frequency
High frequency in US culinary contexts; low to medium frequency in UK, where it's a recognised but non-native term.
Grammar
How to Use “bear claw” in a Sentence
I'd like a bear claw (pastry).The bear left deep claw marks (literal).It was shaped like a bear claw.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bear claw” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not used as a standard adjective]
American English
- [Not used as a standard adjective]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the bakery/cafe industry ('Our bear claws are a top seller.').
Academic
Very rare, except in zoology/biology when discussing ursine anatomy ('The bear's claw measured 10 cm.').
Everyday
Common in US: a pastry item. Elsewhere: a descriptive term for a large claw.
Technical
Specific: a type of ice climbing anchor or a style of brass knuckles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bear claw”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bear claw”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bear claw”
- Using 'bear claw' to refer to any curved pastry. It's a specific type.
- Saying 'bear's claw' when ordering the pastry in a US bakery (though understood, 'bear claw' is standard).
- Misspelling as 'bare claw'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A bear claw is a specific type of Danish pastry, characterised by its claw-like shape and typical almond paste filling.
It would be an exaggeration or humour. 'Bear claw' implies something much larger and more powerful than a cat's claw.
It is understood, especially due to global influence, but it is not a traditional British bakery item. A British person is more likely to refer to it as an 'almond claw' or simply a 'pastry'.
'Bear claw' (no possessive) is the standard term for the pastry. 'A bear's claw' (with possessive) refers to the actual claw of the animal.
A type of sweet pastry, shaped to resemble the large claw of a bear, typically made with yeast dough and filled with almond paste or other fillings.
Bear claw is usually informal, culinary, specialized (in certain contexts) in register.
Bear claw: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbeə ˌklɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈber ˌklɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for 'bear claw' itself]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bear's paw with big claws. The pastry is pinched and cut to look just like that.
Conceptual Metaphor
LARGE/THREATENING IS BEAR-LIKE; THE PASTRY IS SHAPED LIKE A BODY PART (claw).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bear claw' most commonly used in the United States?