nounπShareThe action of squeezing a small amount of a person's skin and flesh, making it hurt."The little boy gave his sister a playful pinch on the arm. "bodyactionsensationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA close compression of anything with the fingers."I gave the leather of the sofa a pinch, gauging the texture."actionsensationbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA small amount of powder or granules, such that the amount could be held between fingertip and thumb tip."She added a pinch of salt to the soup. "amountsubstancefoodChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn awkward situation of some kind (especially money or social) which is difficult to escape."After unexpectedly losing her job, Sarah found herself in a financial pinch. "situationfinanceeconomyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA metal bar used as a lever for lifting weights, rolling wheels, etc."The mechanic used a pinch to lift the heavy tire and change it. "machineitemChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn organic herbal smoke additive."He added a pinch of herbal blend to his loose-leaf tobacco for a more relaxing smoke. "substanceplantmedicineChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA magnetic compression of an electrically-conducting filament."The experiment used a powerful pinch to compress the plasma filament, generating intense heat. "physicsenergytechnicalsciencephenomenaChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe narrow part connecting the two bulbs of an hourglass."The hourglass had a thin pinch, making it hard to see how much sand was left. "partstructureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn arrest."The police officer made a pinch for the shoplifter. "policelawChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo squeeze a small amount of a person's skin and flesh, making it hurt."The children were scolded for pinching each other."bodyactionsensationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo squeeze between the thumb and forefinger."She pinched the crayon between her thumb and forefinger to sharpen it. "actionbodysensationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo squeeze between two objects."The child pinched the paper airplane between his fingers to make the wings stronger. "actionbodyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo steal, usually something inconsequential."Someone has pinched my handkerchief!"actionpropertyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo arrest or capture."The police officer pinched the thief on the street. "policelawactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo cut shoots or buds of a plant in order to shape the plant, or to improve its yield."The gardener pinched the tips of the rose bushes to encourage more blooms. "agricultureplantbiologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo sail so close-hauled that the sails begin to flutter."The sailboat pinches as the wind shifts, causing the sails to flap erratically. "nauticalsailingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo take hold; to grip, as a dog does."The dog pinched the ball tightly in its jaws. "actionanimalChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo be stingy or covetous; to live sparingly."During hard times, my grandmother had to pinch pennies to make sure we had enough food. "charactereconomybusinessfinanceattitudevalueChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo seize; to grip; to bite; said of animals."The crab will pinch your finger if you get too close. "animalactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo cramp; to straiten; to oppress; to starve."to be pinched for money"economysufferingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo move, as a railroad car, by prying the wheels with a pinch."The workers had to pinch the railcar a few feet to align it with the loading dock. "vehiclemachinetechnicalworkChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo complain or find fault."My roommate always pinches about the noise I make when I'm cooking. "attitudecharactercommunicationChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading