Is 'griffes' a common word?

No, it is an extremely rare, literary word. Most communication uses 'claws' or 'talons'.

Can I use 'griffe' for a single claw?

In modern English, this is highly unusual and may be considered incorrect. The standard singular is 'claw' or 'talon'. 'Griffes' is almost always plural.

What is the origin of 'griffes'?

It comes from Old French 'griffe', meaning claw, likely of Germanic origin.

Is this word related to 'griffin'?

Yes, both ultimately relate to the idea of a grasping/clawing creature. A griffin is a mythical beast with claws (griffes).

Is “griffes” formal?

Griffes is usually literary, figurative, heraldic in register.

How do you pronounce “griffes”?

Griffes: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrɪfs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrɪfs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

griffes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2 - Very Rare / Archaic Literary

UK/ɡrɪfs/US/ɡrɪfs/

Literary, Figurative, Heraldic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “griffes” mean?

The strong, sharp talons or claws of a bird of prey, especially a vulture or eagle.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The strong, sharp talons or claws of a bird of prey, especially a vulture or eagle; figuratively, a harsh, grasping, or predatory grip.

Can refer to the clutches or controlling power of a malevolent force, system, or person. In heraldry, it denotes a stylized claw. Rarely used in zoology for specific claw structures.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Equally rare in both variants. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical/heraldic contexts.

Connotations

Connotes a more archaic, poetic, or deliberately dramatic tone than synonyms like 'claws' or 'talons'.

Frequency

Extremely low-frequency word. Most native speakers will never encounter it outside specific literary or historical texts.

Grammar

How to Use “griffes” in a Sentence

[Subject] was caught in the griffes of [abstract evil/force]The [bird of prey]'s griffes [verb]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

cruel griffesiron griffesvulture's griffeseagle's griffesin the griffes of

medium

sharp griffesbloody griffesescaping the griffes

weak

powerful griffesbird's griffes

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Possible in literary analysis or historical zoology.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Heraldry (a claw of a beast); rare zoology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “griffes”

Strong

clutchesgrip power

Neutral

clawstalons

Weak

pawshands (figurative)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “griffes”

release freedom libertyopen hands

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “griffes”

Using 'griffe' as a singular noun in modern English.
Pronouncing with a long 'i' (/ɡraɪfs/).
Confusing with 'griffin'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an extremely rare, literary word. Most communication uses 'claws' or 'talons'.
: In modern English, this is highly unusual and may be considered incorrect. The standard singular is 'claw' or 'talon'. 'Griffes' is almost always plural.
: It comes from Old French 'griffe', meaning claw, likely of Germanic origin.
: Yes, both ultimately relate to the idea of a grasping/clawing creature. A griffin is a mythical beast with claws (griffes).
: The strong, sharp talons or claws of a bird of prey, especially a vulture or eagle.
: Griffes is usually literary, figurative, heraldic in register.
: Griffes: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrɪfs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrɪfs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“in the griffes of (fate/despair/tyranny)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a GRIFFIN (mythical creature) using its fierce claws—its 'GRIFFes'.

Conceptual Metaphor

POWER IS A BIRD'S CLAW; DIFFICULTY/EVIL IS A PREDATOR.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The old legend spoke of travellers being carried off by the of the mountain spirit.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'griffes' MOST appropriately used?