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

According to archaeologists, these ancient farmers piled up stones and soil to form a body, pincers, and a curved tail with a stinger. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025

Crabs may be small, but those pincers can do a lot of damage. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025

Its pincers and tail are a slightly darker brown than the rest of its body. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025

Ukrainian forces are now closing in on the Russian Dobropillia salient near Pokrovsk, using a pincer assault from the west and north. —David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

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