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inch

noun (1)
\ ˈinch How to pronounce inch (audio) \

Definition of inch

 (Entry 1 of 3)

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
3 inches plural : stature, height
4a : 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
every inch
: to the utmost degree looks every inch a winner
inch by inch
: very gradually or slowly
within an inch of
: almost to the point of came within an inch of succeeding

inch

verb
inched; inching; inches

Definition of inch (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to move by small degrees : progress slowly the long line of people inching up the stairs

transitive verb

: to cause to move slowly sooner or later they begin inching prices back up — Forbes

inch

noun (2)

Definition of inch (Entry 3 of 3)

chiefly Scotland
: island
Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about inch

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Synonyms for inch

Synonyms: Verb

creep, encroach, worm

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Did You Know?

The ancient Romans used a system of weights and measures based on units divided into 12 parts. Thus the Latin uncia, meaning “a 12th part,” designated the 12th part of a foot. From this is derived Old English ince or ynce and modern English inch. The Roman pound was also divided into 12 parts, similarly designated by the word uncia. In this sense uncia followed a different path and became Middle English unce or ounce, which was the 12th part of a pound in the troy system. In the avoirdupois system, which is more widely used, the pound is larger and equals 16 ounces. The English noun inch dates to before the 12th century; the verb meaning “to move very slowly” does not appear until around 1600.

Examples of inch in a Sentence

Verb

 We inched along in heavy traffic. As she neared the finish line, she inched ahead of the other racers. Gas prices are inching up again. I inched the car into the garage.
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First Known Use of inch

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1599, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for inch

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English ynce, from Latin uncia — more at ounce

Noun (2)

Middle English (Scots), from Scottish Gaelic innis

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More Definitions for inch

inch

verb

English Language Learners Definition of inch

: to move very slowly or by a small amount in a specified direction or manner

See the full definition for inch in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inch

noun
\ ˈinch How to pronounce inch (audio) \

Kids Definition of inch

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a unit of length equal to ¹/₃₆ yard (2.54 centimeters)

inch

verb
inched; inching

Kids Definition of inch (Entry 2 of 2)

: to move a little bit at a time We inched to the ticket counter.

inch

noun
\ ˈinch How to pronounce inch (audio) \

Medical Definition of inch

: a unit of length equal to ¹/₃₆ yard or 2.54 centimeters

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More from Merriam-Webster on inch

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with inch

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inch

Spanish Central: Translation of inch

Nglish: Translation of inch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of inch for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inch

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