clinched; clinching; clinches

transitive verb

1
2
a
: to turn over or flatten the protruding pointed end of (a driven nail)
also : to treat (a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc.) in a similar way
b
: to fasten in this way
3
a
: to make final or irrefutable : settle
that clinched the argument
b
: to assure the winning of
scored a touchdown to clinch the game

intransitive verb

1
: to hold an opponent (as in boxing) at close quarters with one or both arms
2
: to hold fast or firmly

clinch

2 of 2

noun

1
: a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
also : the clinched part of a nail, rivet, or bolt
2
archaic : pun
3
: an act or instance of clinching in boxing
4

Examples of clinch in a Sentence

Verb His home run clinched the victory. The new evidence clinches the case. Her work on the project should clinch her a promotion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Just a few days ago, Boston clinched its 11th division title. Hunter Felt, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 With the win, the No. 7 Magic (36-39) clinched their spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament and leapfrogged the No. 8 Hawks (35-38) in the East standings. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
There follows a rewind which zooms in on the signs of abuse: smartphone messages read during a romantic clinch, stalking disguised as concern, jealousy, emotional manipulation and love bombing geared to isolate the protagonist from her support group. Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 Catholic Memorial needs to win its last two conference games for a shot, while an SJP win Wednesday clinches at least a share of the crown for the Eagles. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clinch

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably alteration of clench

First Known Use

Verb

1542, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clinch was in 1542

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinch. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
a
: to turn over or flatten the end of something sticking out
clinch a nail
b
: to fasten by clinching
2
a
: to make final : settle
the evidence clinched the case
b
: to assure the winning of
a touchdown that clinched the game

clinch

2 of 2 noun
1
: a fastening by means of a clinched nail, rivet, or bolt
2
: the clinched part of a nail, bolt, or rivet

Geographical Definition

river about 300 miles (480 kilometers) long in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee flowing southwest into the Tennessee River

More from Merriam-Webster on clinch

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