pinch
pinch Lexical Profile
pinch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act of gripping something tightly and sharply between a finger and thumb, or between two hard surfaces.
"She gave her brother a playful pinch on the arm to get his attention."
A very small amount of a powdery or granular substance, especially an ingredient in cooking, equal to what can be held between a finger and thumb.
"The soup recipe calls for a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper."
A critical, stressful, or difficult situation caused by a shortage of time, money, or resources.
"Rising energy costs have caused many households to feel the financial pinch this winter."
• verb
To grip something tightly and sharply between a finger and thumb or between two hard surfaces.
"Be careful when closing the heavy door so you do not pinch your fingers in the hinge."
To hurt or cause discomfort by being too tight or constricting (especially of shoes or clothing).
"These new leather boots pinch my toes whenever I walk downhill."
To steal or take something without permission, especially something small or of modest value (informal).
"Someone tried to pinch his bicycle from outside the library yesterday."
To live or manage finances very frugally, often out of necessity or stinginess.
"They had to pinch and save for five years to afford the down payment on their house."
• Rhymes for pinch
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 13th century from Anglo-Norman and Old North French pincher, equivalent to Old French pincier ('to pinch, nip'), which is likely of Vulgar Latin or Continental Germanic origin.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.