Definition of "inch" in English

noun

1. An English unit of length equal to 1/12 of a foot or 2.54 cm, conceived as roughly the width of a thumb.

2. (figuratively) Any very short distance.

   • Don't move an inch!

3. Any of various similar units of length in other traditional systems of measurement.

4. (meteorology) A depth of one inch on the ground, used as a measurement of rainfall.

5. A depth of one inch in a glass, used as a rough measurement of alcoholic beverages.

verb

1. (intransitive, followed by a preposition) To advance very slowly, or by a small amount (in a particular direction).

   • Fearful of falling, he inched along the window ledge.

2. To drive by inches, or small degrees.

3. To deal out by inches; to give sparingly.

noun

1. (Scotland, Ireland) A small island; an islet.

2. (Scotland, Ireland) A meadow, pasture, field, or haugh.

adjective

1. (Hong Kong, colloquial) cocky and cheeky

verb

1. (Hong Kong, colloquial) to burn (to insult); to speak in a cocky and cheeky manner