1. one of a pair of curved claws of a crab, lobster, or similar crustacean
2. a tool with two hinged arms and blunt concave jaws for gripping and pulling things
Usage: usually plural: pincers
3. a military movement in which forces attack both flanks of an enemy formation simultaneously
Usage: military; usually in ‘pincer movement’ or ‘pincer attack’

Examples

• The crab raised its pincers defensively when approached.
• She used pincers to remove the splinter from her finger.
• The lobster’s powerful pincers could easily crack a shell.
• He grabbed the hot wire with a pair of pincers.
• The general planned a pincer movement to surround the enemy.
• The mechanic reached for his pincers to grip the small bolt.
• Large pincers make male fiddler crabs easily recognizable.