pinch out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To remove the shoots of a plant: — the leading shoot in order to encourage a bushy habit

Where it’s used: Used American English
Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To remove the shoots of a plant: — a plant's side shoots

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

For a distinct body of rock between underlying and overlying strata, to thin out and come to an end, so that the strata above come to lie on the strata below.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pinch out” mean?

To remove the shoots of a plant: — the leading shoot in order to encourage a bushy habit

Is “pinch out” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.