Phrase guide

penny pincher

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Over the years, he developed a reputation as a penny pincher who wouldn't spend money for anything.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

someone who is excessively careful with money (who pinches every penny before letting go of it)

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: hoarder

History

Etymology

From pinchpenny.