pinch
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.”
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.
"At a pinch" (meaning "if absolutely necessary") is a set idiom, not related to the physical action.
Word forms
pinched past tense, pinches plural, pinches singular
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.
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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