noun
pincer
PIHN-suhr
Pincer (noun) means one half of a gripping claw or tool, or (in plural) the tool or claw itself. Example: “The crab snapped its pincer shut around the bait.”
noun
1
One half of a gripping claw or tool, or (in plural) the tool or claw itself.
"The crab snapped its pincer shut around the bait."
verb
1
To attack or surround from two sides at once.
"The minesweeper and the sea tug now came along either side, pincered the Vega, and seemed to be ushering it toward Moruroa, perhaps attempting to push the ketch inside the 12-mile limit."
— Rex Weyler, Greenpeace (2004)
"The troops attempted to pincer the enemy position from both flanks."
How to use pincer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gripping claw (like a crab's), or a military move that attacks from both sides.
Common pairings
pincer attack
pincer movement
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pincer.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- pincers
- Third person singular
- pincers
- Past tense
- pincered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The crab snapped its _____ shut around the bait.
Etymology
From Old French pincier, "to pinch."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “pincer” mean?
The word “pincer” means one half of a gripping claw or tool, or (in plural) the tool or claw itself. In plain terms, a gripping claw (like a crab's), or a military move that attacks from both sides.
How do you pronounce “pincer”?
“Pincer” is pronounced PIHN-suhr (/ˈpɪnsəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pincer” in a sentence?
Here is “pincer” used in a sentence: “The crab snapped its pincer shut around the bait.”
What part of speech is “pincer”?
Depending on how it is used, “pincer” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pincer” come from?
The word “pincer” comes from Old French. From Old French pincier, "to pinch.".
How many meanings does “pincer” have?
“Pincer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one half of a gripping claw or tool, or (in plural) the tool or claw itself.
