PULL AT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does pull at mean? 

• PULL AT (verb)
  The verb PULL AT has 1 sense:

1. pluck or pull at with the fingers

  Familiarity information: PULL AT used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PULL AT (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Pluck or pull at with the fingers

Classified under:

Verbs of touching, hitting, tying, digging

Synonyms:

pick at; pluck at; pull at

Context example:

She picked nervously at the buttons of her blouse

Hypernyms (to "pull at" is one way to...):

pull (apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

 Context examples 

How dared he pull at a bell-rope in that reckless fashion?

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“On we went then,” said Aylward, after a long pull at his blackjack.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Mr. Micawber, at the then present moment, took a pull at his punch.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

When it comes to love, fun and matters involving children, this could be a standout day for love to pull at your heart strings.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses’ hoofs and grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the bell.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

“The keep throws a shadow of sixty paces. Thirty paces of rope will be enow and to spare. Another strand, Watkin! Now pull at the end that all may be safe. So! It is ready for them.”

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The sixth house is also the house ruling small domestic animals, so if you were thinking of adopting a little puppy or kitten, this is the time to visit the rescue center where you can find one that will pull at your heartstrings.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)