1 B2 neutral
to touch, scratch, or handle something repeatedly with the hand or paw
"The puppy kept pawing at the box under the table."
inseparable
paw at
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
to touch or handle something repeatedly in a rough or clumsy way
In plain English
to keep touching something with your hand in an awkward or rough way
What does "paw at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
to touch someone in a clumsy, rough, or unwelcome way
"She moved away when the drunk man started pawing at her sleeve."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to use a paw or hand to touch at something repeatedly
Actually means
to keep touching something with your hand in an awkward or rough way
Usage tip
Often has a negative tone, especially when describing unwanted touching or an animal scratching at something.
Words that pair with "paw at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door blanket sleeve food someone's arm ground
How to conjugate "paw at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
paw at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
paws at
he/she/it
Past simple
pawed at
yesterday
Past participle
pawed at
have + pp
-ing form
pawing at
continuous
Hear "paw at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "paw at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "paw at"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
claw at fumble with grope at handle roughly scratch at
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