1
: a unit of length equal to ¹/₃₆ yard see Weights and Measures Table
2
: a small amount, distance, or degree
is like cutting a dog's tail off by inches—Milton Friedman
4
a
: a fall (as of rain or snow) sufficient to cover a surface or to fill a gauge to the depth of one inch
b
: a degree of atmospheric or other pressure sufficient to balance the weight of a column of liquid (such as mercury) one inch high in a barometer or manometer
5
: a small advantage especially from lenient or compassionate treatment
—usually used in the phrase give an inch
inched; inching; inches
: to move by small degrees : progress slowly
the long line of people inching up the stairs
: to cause to move slowly
sooner or later they begin inching prices back up—Forbes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share