Words Starting With CL

What Are CL Words?

Words starting with CL are English words that begin the letters CL. This cluster often derives from the Latin root 'clamare' meaning to call or cry out, or the Old English 'clæge' for mud, reflecting a diverse etymological history ranging from sound to texture. The list encompasses 1081 distinct entries, featuring common terms like clan, clay, clip, club, claim, clara, clark, and class alongside more obscure vocabulary. These words typically average 14.9 Scrabble points, slightly below the dictionary average of 15.5, with the most frequent word length being nine letters. The prevalence of the CL digraph in English highlights its utility in forming words related to gathering, cutting, or clarity. Whether describing a social group like a clan or a physical substance like clay, these terms provide precise meaning across various contexts. The statistical distribution shows that nine-letter words make up 16% of the total, offering a rich vein of mid-length options for vocabulary expansion and puzzle solving.

Statistical Profile: Words Starting With CL

• Total words: 1,081 words start with CL
• Dominant length: 9 letters (16% of CL-words)
• Average Scrabble score: 14.9 points — below the dictionary average of 15.5
• Common words: 4.5% of CL-words appear in everyday English (vs. 3.2% average across all prefixes)
• Most common third letter: After CL, the most frequent next letter is A (373 words)

Common CL Words

These are the most recognizable words starting with CL:

clan, clay, clip, club, claim, clara, clark, class, clean, clear, clerk, click, cliff, climb, clips, clock, clone, close, cloth, cloud

Using CL Words in Word Games

When playing Scrabble or other word games, aim for the nine-letter words that constitute 16% of this list to maximize board coverage while staying near the average score of 14.9 points. Although the average Scrabble value for these words is slightly lower than the general dictionary average of 15.5, specific high-value tiles can significantly boost your score if you place them on premium squares. Memorizing common short words like clip and club helps in tight spaces, while knowing longer terms like clanjamphrey can secure game-winning turns.

Highest-Scoring CL Words

Scrabble

1. clanjamphrey — 31 points
2. clarenceuxship — 30 points
3. clavicytherium — 29 points
4. clanjamfray — 28 points
5. clanjamfrey — 28 points

Words With Friends

1. clanjamphrey — 36 points
2. clarenceuxship — 35 points
3. clanjamfray — 33 points
4. clanjamfrey — 33 points
5. clappermaclaw — 33 points

Word Unscrambler

Need to find words from specific letters? Use our full Word Unscrambler tool right here.

Related Prefixes

CA WordsCE WordsCH WordsCI WordsCN WordsCO WordsCR WordsCT WordsCU WordsCY WordsCZ Words

Browse by Word Length

3-Letter Words4-Letter Words5-Letter Words6-Letter Words7-Letter Words8-Letter Words9-Letter Words10-Letter Words11-Letter Words12-Letter Words13-Letter Words14-Letter Words15-Letter Words

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words start with CL?

There are 1081 valid words starting with CL. This extensive list includes everything from short three-letter words to longer nine-letter terms. The collection is curated to ensure all entries are valid for standard English dictionaries and word games.

What is the best Scrabble word starting with CL?

clanjamphrey scores 31 points. This nine-letter word is an excellent choice for maximizing points on a double or triple word score tile. While the average score for CL words is 14.9, this specific term far exceeds the norm for a high-stakes play.

Is this word list free?

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