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
Her eyelids were swollen and pink, and she was pinching on her lower lip with forefinger and thumb, an old sign with Briony that some serious weeping was to be done.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
