tongs

American  

[tawngz, tongz] / tɔŋz, tɒŋz /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

1. any of various implements consisting of two arms hinged, pivoted, or otherwise fastened together, for seizing, holding, or lifting something (usually used withpair of ).

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tongs British  

/ tɒŋz /

plural noun

1. Also called: pair of tongs.  a tool for grasping or lifting, consisting of a hinged, sprung, or pivoted pair of arms or levers, joined at one end

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Etymology

Origin of tongs

see origin at tong ¹

Explanation

Tongs are a tool for picking things up. Large kitchen tongs can be used for flipping burgers on the grill or rescuing ears of corn that have fallen into the coals. Tongs are the tool that you use to grip something and lift it. They are usually jointed near the handle, with two grippers at the other end, so that you can one-handedly grasp objects. You might use tongs to move something hot, like food or burning logs, or to serve food such as salad, sugar cubes, or noodles. The Germanic root means "that which bites."

Example Sentences

Use clean tongs, cutting boards and plates for serving cooked food.

From Seattle Times • May 27, 2024

Mr Adams said all sorts of things had been discovered by his builders, including coins, pistol balls and Victorian curling tongs, but the Hebrew writing had captured people's attention.

From BBC • May 23, 2024

He recommends putting oil on a paper towel to rub on the grill using a pair of tongs.

From Salon • May 23, 2024

Ms. Tapia has been looking for her son, Gustavo Daryl, since he was abducted in 2018 from his food stand, apron on and grill tongs in hand.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Frodo gave a cry and groped for the tongs; but Gandalf held him back.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien