pinch
verb (used with object)
to squeeze or compress between the finger and thumb, the teeth, the jaws of an instrument, or the like.
has pinched
-
present perfectof pinch (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The war in Iran has pinched Central Valley farmers — already struggling with water supply and other issues — by driving up fertilizer prices.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
Dwindling housing affordability has pinched pockets further, with a shortage of homes driving up both rents and house prices.
From BBC ● Mar. 2, 2026
The lack of diesel has pinched electric generators that previously supplemented production.
From Barron's ● Feb. 24, 2026
Demand for such workers is colliding with a longstanding shortage of skilled tradespeople that has pinched the construction industry.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 30, 2025
Boys," he said, as the toil-stained, rough miners filed into the sitting-room, "we'll have to clear out of the Gully now that the reef has pinched out.
From Tom Gerrard by Louis Becke
