pincer

noun

pin·​cer ˈpin(t)-sər 

especially for sense 1 US often ˈpin-chər

1

a

pincers plural : an instrument having two short handles and two grasping jaws working on a pivot and used for gripping things

b

: a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers : chela

2

: pincer movement

pincerlike

ˈpin(t)-sər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of pincer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even their sharp-looking pincers aren’t strong enough to break human skin. — Hannah Smith july 22, Idaho Statesman, 22 July 2026

My boss holds the pamphlet far away from the rest of her body—her index finger and thumb suddenly forming a sharp pincer. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

More prominent in males, these pincers are primarily used for defense and mating displays. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

In the mitt biz, this is broken down into the categories of mitten (looks like a large winter mitten); pincer, which has the thumb flap directly opposing the other fingers like a hand puppet (which is why they’re also called puppet mitts); and glove, which separates all five fingers. — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pinceour, from Anglo-French *pinceour, pinchure, from Anglo-French *pincher, pincer to pinch, from Vulgar Latin *pinctiare, *punctiare, from Latin punctum puncture — more at point

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pincer

• pincer movement

Rhymes for pincer

• mincer

Kids Definition

pincer

noun

pin·​cer ˈpin-chər 

ˈpin(t)-sər

1

plural : an instrument having two handles and two jaws that is used to grip things

2

: a claw (as of a lobster) resembling a pair of pincers

pincerlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective