Having a thin, narrow, or drawn appearance, often due to stress, illness, or lack of resources. Her face looked pinched and tired after the long, sleepless night.
Feeling or showing the effects of poverty or financial strain. The pinched expression on his face revealed the financial difficulties he was facing.
Informal, chiefly British: stolen or taken without permission. He was trying to sell a pinched bike down at the market.
Physically compressed, squeezed, or constricted, especially so as to cause discomfort or malfunction. After the accident, he suffered from a pinched nerve in his lower back.
To squeeze tightly between the fingers or a tool, often causing discomfort or pain. She pinched her brother's arm to get his attention.
To steal or take something in a sneaky or stealthy manner. He pinched a few cookies from the jar when no one was looking.
To economize or save money by being frugal. They had to pinch pennies to afford their vacation.
To cause a sensation of tightness or discomfort, often due to clothing or shoes. The new shoes pinched her toes, making it hard to walk.
To bring a thumb and finger together (or apart) on a touchscreen in order to zoom out (or in). Pinch the image to zoom out and see the whole picture.