Pull at
verb
To tug or yank at something.
She began to pull at the loose thread on her sweater.
Often appears as...
- pull at the door
- pull at the strings
verb
To cause someone to feel a strong desire or emotional reaction.
The allure of the big city pulled at him.
Often appears as...
- pull at the heartstrings
- pull at the conscience
Usage tips
Approving
verb
To drink or smoke something in small amounts or sips.
He pulled at his beer slowly, savoring the taste.
Often appears as...
- pull at a cigarette
- pull at a drink
Usage tips
Informal
verb
To apply force on something by holding it firmly and bringing it toward oneself.
He pulled at the rope attached to the bell.
Often appears as...
- pull at the rope
- pull at the handle
verb
To tug or yank at something.
She began to pull at the loose thread on her sweater.
Often appears as...
- pull at the door
- pull at the strings
verb
To cause someone to feel a strong desire or emotional reaction.
The allure of the big city pulled at him.
Often appears as...
- pull at the heartstrings
- pull at the conscience
Usage tips
Approving
verb
To drink or smoke something in small amounts or sips.
He pulled at his beer slowly, savoring the taste.
Often appears as...
- pull at a cigarette
- pull at a drink
Usage tips
Informal
verb
To apply force on something by holding it firmly and bringing it toward oneself.
He pulled at the rope attached to the bell.
Often appears as...
- pull at the rope
- pull at the handle
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Action
Use 'pull at' when describing an action involving a light or continued tug, not a single strong pull.
The puppy couldn't wait to play and started to pull at its owner's shoelaces.
Pro Tip 2/2Minor Adjustment
'Pull at' suggests making a small adjustment to something, rather than a large change.
She pulled at her skirt to straighten it before the interview.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Action
Use 'pull at' when describing an action involving a light or continued tug, not a single strong pull.
The puppy couldn't wait to play and started to pull at its owner's shoelaces.
Pro Tip 2/2Minor Adjustment
'Pull at' suggests making a small adjustment to something, rather than a large change.
She pulled at her skirt to straighten it before the interview.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Action
Use 'pull at' when describing an action involving a light or continued tug, not a single strong pull.
The puppy couldn't wait to play and started to pull at its owner's shoelaces.
Pro Tip 2/2Minor Adjustment
'Pull at' suggests making a small adjustment to something, rather than a large change.
She pulled at her skirt to straighten it before the interview.
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