pinch

//pɪntʃ//
B1Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of pinch

Verb

pinchInfinitive
pinchPresent tense
pinchedPast tense
pinchedPast participle
pinchingPresent participle
pinchesThird-person singular
1

To squeeze something, especially skin, tightly between the thumb and finger.

She pinched his cheek playfully.

2

To steal something, especially something of small value.

Someone pinched my pen from my desk.

3

To cause discomfort or pain by being too tight, as shoes or clothing.

These new shoes pinch my toes.

Noun

pinchSingular
pinchesPlural
1

An act of squeezing something tightly between the thumb and finger.

She gave his cheek a gentle pinch.

2

A small amount of something, especially a substance that can be held between the thumb and finger.

Add a pinch of salt to the soup.

3

A difficult or stressful situation, especially one involving a lack of money.

We're in a bit of a pinch this month because of unexpected expenses.

Synonym

pinch - Deep Vocabulary