verb
Uncommon
pinch
pihnch
Pinch (verb) means to squeeze a bit of skin or an object tightly between the thumb and finger. Example: “She pinched her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming.”
verb
1
To squeeze a bit of skin or an object tightly between the thumb and finger.
"She pinched her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming."
"Don't pinch the baby's cheeks too hard, or she will cry."
"He pinched the end of the hose to slow the water."
2
British informal: to steal something, usually minor.
"Someone pinched my pen off the desk."
"Who pinched my sandwich out of the fridge again?"
"The boys used to pinch apples from the farmer's orchard."
noun
1
A small amount of something, especially a powder, held between finger and thumb.
"Add a pinch of salt to the sauce before serving."
"Stir in a pinch of cinnamon just before the porridge is ready."
"He took a pinch of snuff from the little tin."
2
A difficult or tight situation, often financial.
"Rising bills have put a real pinch on the household budget."
"We can manage for now, but we will feel the pinch next winter."
"In a pinch, you can use a spoon instead of a whisk."
How to use pinch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo squeeze tightly with the fingers, to steal something small, a tiny measured amount, or a tough financial squeeze.
Common mistake
"At a pinch" (meaning "if absolutely necessary") is a set idiom, not related to the physical action.
Common pairings
a pinch of salt
feel the pinch
pinch and steal
at a pinch
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Word forms
- Plural
- pinches
- Third person singular
- pinches
- Past tense
- pinched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
Etymology
From Middle English pinchen, likely from Old Northern French, ultimately connected to Latin words for puncturing or striking.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pinch
See all rhymes for pinch →Frequently asked questions
What does “pinch” mean?
The word “pinch” means to squeeze a bit of skin or an object tightly between the thumb and finger. In plain terms, to squeeze tightly with the fingers, to steal something small, a tiny measured amount, or a tough financial squeeze.
How do you pronounce “pinch”?
“Pinch” is pronounced pihnch (/pɪnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pinch” in a sentence?
Here is “pinch” used in a sentence: “She pinched her arm to make sure she wasn't dreaming.”
What part of speech is “pinch”?
Depending on how it is used, “pinch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pinch” come from?
The word “pinch” comes from Latin. From Middle English pinchen, likely from Old Northern French, ultimately connected to Latin words for puncturing or striking.
Is “pinch” a common word?
“Pinch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pinch” have?
“Pinch” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to squeeze a bit of skin or an object tightly between the thumb and finger.
What is the difference between pinch and squeeze?
A pinch involves gripping a small bit of skin or material tightly between the thumb and finger, usually causing a sharp, localized sensation. A squeeze is broader and can involve the whole hand pressing on something larger, without necessarily causing pain.
Is "pinch" meaning to steal formal or informal?
This use of pinch, meaning to steal something minor, is informal and especially common in British English. It's suited to casual speech rather than formal writing, where "steal" or "take" would be more appropriate.
What does "a pinch of" mean when talking about ingredients?
"A pinch of" refers to a small amount of something, especially a powder like salt or spice, held between the finger and thumb. It's a common informal measurement in cooking recipes, indicating a quantity too small to measure precisely.
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