ice tongs

noun

, (usually used with a plural verb)

1. a small pair of tongs for serving ice cubes.
2. tongs for handling a large block of ice.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ice tongs¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

For instance, a passenger gets on the platform at Portage, and the ice tongs grasp him or her securely.

From Project Gutenberg

A heavy pair of tongs, like ice-tongs, is attached to one end, and the log is snaked out by horses to the skidway.

From Project Gutenberg

A pair of tongs (something like ice tongs) seized the shell by the ears and lifted it up to the gun bore.

From Project Gutenberg

I said again, with the flute turning into a pair of ice-tongs that clamped into the corners of my heart.

From Project Gutenberg

It had great claws as big as ice tongs, and it roared like a lion.

From Project Gutenberg