pinch
verb (used with object)
to squeeze or compress between the finger and thumb, the teeth, the jaws of an instrument, or the like.
was pinching
-
past progressiveof pinch.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
At the same time, Facebook owner Meta Platforms said its data-center spending was pinching free cash flow.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
Karlsson spun away from a defender in the left corner and broke behind the net to feed McNabb, who was pinching in from the right point.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 20, 2021
"I was pinching myself thinking it was a nightmare," Mohammed says.
From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2020
A doctor told her that the injury was pinching a nerve, and that the discomfort might never abate.
From The New Yorker ● Oct. 10, 2019
Jonas pulled at his striped shirt as if the collar was pinching him.
From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby
