inch
noun
a unit of length, 1/12 (0.0833) foot, equivalent to 2.54 centimeters. in.
had inched
-
past perfectof inch.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 30-year rate had inched back up to 6.07% as of Tuesday, according to Mortgage News Daily.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 13, 2026
Though rough sleeping remained steady last year, it had inched upward over the three years of the study.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2025
The organisation's data also showed the global average number of women in national parliaments had inched up to 26.5% as of Jan 1., from 25.5% a year ago.
From Reuters ● Mar. 8, 2023
On the road, they’re 17-8-3 and had inched up to 13-10-3 at Climate Pledge Arena before Thursday’s rematch with the Flyers.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 16, 2023
He had inched him up through back alleys and smaller races, bypassing the nationally spotlighted races in favor of slow cultivation and parochial seclusion.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
