clinch

1 of 2

verb

ˈklinch 

clinched; clinching; clinches

transitive verb

1

: clench sense 3

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

clinchingly

ˈklin-chiŋ-lē 

adverb

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

: embrace

Synonyms of clinch

Verb

• decide
• settle
• determine

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.

The photos of the city have clinched it for me. I have to visit Prague.

If they win tonight's game they'll clinch the pennant.

Noun

The referee told the boxers to break their clinch.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Keegan signed off in style, winning his third league title and helping Liverpool clinch their first European Cup with a 3-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach in Rome. — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026

In June, Hilton clinched second place in California’s gubernatorial primary behind veteran Democratic politician Xavier Becerra. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Noun

Miles helped the Lynx (11-3) clinch a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup championship with the victory. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

The second the fight began, Rousey exploded forward, secured a clinch, executed a textbook judo takedown, and immediately transitioned into her trademark armbar before Carano could settle into the fight. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026

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

Rhymes for clinch

• cinch
• finch
• flinch
• inch
• lynch
• pinch
• synch
• winch
• bullfinch
• goldfinch

Kids Definition

clinch

1 of 2 verb

ˈklinch 

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

Clinch

geographical name

ˈklinch 

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