inch
noun
a unit of length, 1/12 (0.0833) foot, equivalent to 2.54 centimeters. in.
was inching
-
past progressiveof inch.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 big change this year is that, previously, Russia was inching forward along almost the entire more than 700-mile front line, or at least in several sectors at once.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026
Tropical Cyclone Narelle was inching towards the coast of Western Australia on Friday morning, according to the government Bureau of Meteorology.
From Barron's ● Mar. 27, 2026
Unemployment was inching up, it said, and overall economic growth was "weaker than expected".
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2023
Thanksgiving was inching closer, and sacks of onions, potatoes and carrots were flying off the shelves.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 23, 2022
But then she realized that the fire was inching beyond the house onto the lawn.
From "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon M. Draper
