# pinching

/ˈpɪntʃɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɪntʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pinching
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to remove the tips of a plant's stems with your fingers. This helps the plant grow more branches and become thicker instead of just growing tall.

For teachers: to remove the terminal bud or growing tip of a plant stem to encourage lateral branching and bushier growth. Often performed manually without tools to stimulate a more compact habit.

## Examples

- Try pinching the basil plants to help them grow more leaves.
- By pinching the young tomato plants early in the season, gardeners can ensure a more robust and manageable harvest.
- Experienced horticulturists recommend pinching the leading shoots of fuchsias and geraniums throughout the spring to prevent the specimens from becoming leggy and to maximise the eventual floral display.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically takes the plant or the specific shoot as its direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.