Clause

noun

say it: “KLAWZ” /klɔːz/

One part of a SQL statement, made of a keyword and what follows it, such as WHERE Country = 'UK'.

What is Clause in SQL?

Clause — One part of a SQL statement: a keyword and what follows it. A query is built from clauses, each with one job: SELECT picks columns, FROM names the table and WHERE keeps only some rows.

SELECT CompanyName, City   -- SELECT clause
FROM Customers             -- FROM clause
WHERE Country = 'UK';      -- WHERE clause

In a sentence

• “I added a WHERE clause so the query only returns customers in the UK.”

Level: Novice · More SQL terms at this level

Updated October 28, 2026