English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word pinch in English

What does pinch mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

pinch

US /pɪntʃ/
UK /pɪntʃ/
"pinch" picture

Noun

1.

a small amount of something, especially that which can be held between a finger and thumb

Example:
•
Add a pinch of salt to the soup.
•
He took a pinch of snuff.
Synonym:
dash hint touch smidgen speck
2.

an act of squeezing something, especially someone's flesh, tightly between the finger and thumb

Example:
•
She gave his arm a playful pinch.
•
He felt a sharp pinch on his leg.
Synonym:
nip squeeze tweak
3.

a difficult situation or crisis

Example:
•
When it comes to the pinch, he always helps out.
•
The company is feeling the pinch due to rising costs.
Synonym:
crisis difficulty hardship distress straits

Verb

1.

grip (something, especially flesh) tightly and sharply between finger and thumb

Example:
•
She pinched his arm to get his attention.
•
The new shoes pinch my toes.
Synonym:
nip squeeze tweak compress constrict
2.

steal (something, especially something of little value)

Example:
•
He was caught trying to pinch a candy bar.
•
Someone pinched my wallet from my bag.
Synonym:
steal pilfer swipe lift snatch
3.

(of cold or hunger) affect (someone) with sharp pain or discomfort

Example:
•
The cold pinched his fingers.
•
Hunger began to pinch them.
Synonym:
afflict distress torment oppress grieve
Learn This Word at Lingoland
Related Word:
pinched penny-pinching pinch point pinch hitter pinch runner pinch-hit a pinch of salt