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

The scorpion has elongated pedipalps — arm-like appendages ending in pincers — tipped with straight claws and lined with sensory hairs known as trichobothria. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

The species has elongated pedipalps — the pincer-bearing appendages — that end in straight claws. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026

Along its pincers, the scorpion has sensory hairs known as trichobothria. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026

In a video demo, Alibaba showed a robot with pincers for hands that appeared to be able to count oranges, pick them up and place them in a basket. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 14 Feb. 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