1 C1 informal
To hit someone firmly on a specific part of the body, especially the head or ear.
"She clouted him on the ear when he repeated the rude joke for the third time."
inseparable
clout on
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To hit someone on a specific part of the body, usually forcefully.
In plain English
To give someone a hard hit on a specific part, like the head or ear.
What does "clout on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To strike ('clout') someone on ('on') a specific body part.
Actually means
To give someone a hard hit on a specific part, like the head or ear.
Usage tip
Mainly British informal. 'Clout' is an old word for a hit or blow. 'Clout on the head/ear' is the most common collocation. Can imply a disciplinary slap or a forceful hit. Rarely encountered in American English.
Words that pair with "clout on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
head ear nose arm back shoulder
How to conjugate "clout on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
clout on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clouts on
he/she/it
Past simple
clouted on
yesterday
Past participle
clouted on
have + pp
-ing form
clouting on
continuous
Hear "clout on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "clout on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.