Clout
/klaʊt/
Definitions
2 meaningsInfluence or power, especially political or social.
/klaʊt/
Influence or power
She used her clout to get the project approved.
💡 Simply: Clout is like having super powers in a certain group or field. It means people listen to you because you're important or influential.
👶 For kids: Clout means you're really important and people listen to you!
More Examples
He needs more clout to get his ideas across.
How It's Used
"The senator wielded considerable clout in Washington."
"Having connections gives you more clout in the industry."
To hit or strike forcefully.
/klaʊt/
To hit or strike forcefully
The boxer clouted his opponent.
💡 Simply: To clout something means to hit it really hard, like when you hit a baseball far away.
👶 For kids: Clout means to hit something hard.
More Examples
He clouted the nail with the hammer.
How It's Used
"He clouted the ball over the fence."
From Middle English *clouten, meaning 'to strike, beat', probably from Old Norse klúta.
Historically, 'clout' primarily referred to a forceful blow, before developing its sense of influence and power.
Memory tip
Think of a powerful 'clout' hitting something with force.