pinch
verb (used with object)
to squeeze or compress between the finger and thumb, the teeth, the jaws of an instrument, or the like.
have pinched
-
present perfectof pinch.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 two big retailers reported better than expected sales and profit, even as higher inflation and a spending shift toward services have pinched retailers this year.
From New York Times ● Aug. 16, 2022
Pandemic-related shutdowns have pinched factories around the world.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 14, 2021
The manufacturing sector has been hit hard by low oil prices, which have pinched the domestic energy industry, and by a strong dollar that has made U.S. exports more expensive for foreign customers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2016
In all honesty, they could have pinched a point.
From BBC ● Dec. 20, 2013
And I won’t lie: It feels good, just this once, to know that my words have pinched her hard for a change.
From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina
