verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

clinch

klihnch

Clinch (verb) means to settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain. Example: “The last-minute goal clinched the championship for the home team.”

verb

To settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain.

"The last-minute goal clinched the championship for the home team."

"They clinched the deal with a handshake."

In boxing or wrestling, to hold an opponent close with the arms to prevent being hit.

"The exhausted boxer clinched his opponent to buy a few seconds of rest."

noun

The act of holding onto an opponent in a fight to avoid being struck.

"The referee had to break up the clinch in round three."

How to use clinch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something certain or final, or (in fighting) to grab hold of an opponent to stop them landing blows.

Easily confused with

clench →

Common pairings

clinch the deal clinch victory clinch a boxing match

Word forms

clinched past tense, clinches plural, clinches singular

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The last-minute goal _____ the championship for the home team.

Etymology

A 16th-century respelling of "clench" — originally about hammering a nail flat so it can't work loose, later widened to mean "make firm" or "settle for good."

· First attested 1500

Class of 1500 clinch joined the language around 1500.

acknowledge amok asthma atlas axis

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Synonyms

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hug squeeze clamp clench

Related words

press stuff pressure contract chuck embrace hug grip

Rhymes for clinch

inch bench conch lunch punch wench finch lynch cinch pinch bunch winch

See all rhymes for clinch →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clinch” mean?

The word “clinch” means to settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain. In plain terms, to make something certain or final, or (in fighting) to grab hold of an opponent to stop them landing blows.

How do you pronounce “clinch”?

“Clinch” is pronounced klihnch (/klɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “clinch” in a sentence?

Here is “clinch” used in a sentence: “The last-minute goal clinched the championship for the home team.”

What part of speech is “clinch”?

Depending on how it is used, “clinch” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “clinch” come from?

The word “clinch” dates back to around 1500. A 16th-century respelling of "clench" — originally about hammering a nail flat so it can't work loose, later widened to mean "make firm" or "settle for good.".

Is “clinch” a common word?

“Clinch” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “clinch” have?

“Clinch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to settle something definitely, or make a deal or victory certain.

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press stuff pressure contract chuck embrace hug grip