tonga

[ tong-guh ]

/ ˈtɒŋ gə /

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noun

a light, two-wheeled, horse-drawn vehicle used in India.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of tonga

First recorded in 1870–75, tonga is from the Hindi word tāṅgā

Words nearby tonga

tonetics, tonette, tone-up, ton-force, tong, tonga, Tongan, Tongass National Forest, Tonga Trench, Tonghua, tongman

Other definitions for tonga (2 of 2)

Tonga

[ tong-guh ]

/ ˈtɒŋ gə /

noun

a Polynesian kingdom consisting of three groups of islands in the S Pacific, NE of New Zealand: a former British protectorate. About 270 sq. mi. (700 sq. km). Capital: Nukualofa.

Also called Ton·ga Is·lands, Friendly Islands.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tonga in a sentence

The aftermath’s tsunami waves crashed into the archipelagic nation of Tonga.
Tonga is fighting multiple disasters after a historic volcanic explosion|Hannah Seo|January 18, 2022|Popular-Science
It’s also likely that with a massive eruption such as this one, the movement of the seabed would have caused a fissure in any secondary cable, even if it was laid on the other side of Tonga.
Tonga’s volcano blast cut it off from the world. Here’s what it will take to get it reconnected.|Chris Stokel-Walker|January 18, 2022|MIT Technology Review
Officials in Tonga confirmed three deaths in the country's first official statement since the crisis began.
At least 3 dead after Tonga volcano eruption and tsunami|Rebecca Falconer|January 18, 2022|Axios
China and the autonomous island of Taiwan said in separate statements that they are ready to provide assistance at Tonga's request.
A massive volcanic eruption and tsunami hit Tonga and the Pacific. Here's what we know|noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)|January 17, 2022|TechCrunch

Significant damage has been reported in Tonga following an undersea volcanic eruption on Saturday, which covered the Pacific nation in ash and cut off communication lines.
Volcanic eruption in Tonga caused "significant" damage|Ivana Saric|January 17, 2022|Axios
The following message was sent by The Queen to the new King of Tonga, Tupou VI.
Royal Condolences to the King of Tonga|Tom Sykes|March 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
These batter-fried treats are served in fine restaurants and humble homes alike throughout Tonga.
What to Eat|Cookstr.com|July 28, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Now-a-days they are better known by the native name of Tonga.
Celebrated Travels and Travellers|Jules Verne
As large as Tonga Tabou, it is higher, and not wanting in fresh water.
Celebrated Travels and Travellers|Jules Verne
The Indians believe that by drinking the tonga they are brought into communication with the spirits of their forefathers.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests|J. J. von Tschudi
Now and then our crew of clean-limbed Tonga boys rested on their oars, with timid, limpid gaze turned askance.
Where the Pavement Ends|John Russell
Four days later a seat was booked for Kim and his small trunk at the rear of a Kalka tonga.
Kim|Rudyard Kipling

British Dictionary definitions for tonga (1 of 3)

tonga

/ (ˈtɒŋɡə) /

noun

a light two-wheeled vehicle used in rural areas of India

Word Origin for tonga

C19: from Hindi tāngā

British Dictionary definitions for tonga (2 of 3)

Tonga¹

/ (ˈtɒŋɡə, ˈtɒŋə) /

noun

plural -gas or -ga a member of a Negroid people of S central Africa, living chiefly in Zambia and Zimbabwe

the language of this people, belonging to the Bantu group of the Niger-Congo family

British Dictionary definitions for tonga (3 of 3)

Tonga²

/ (ˈtɒŋə, ˈtɒŋɡə) /

noun

a kingdom occupying an archipelago of more than 150 volcanic and coral islands in the SW Pacific, east of Fiji: inhabited by Polynesians; became a British protectorate in 1900 and gained independence in 1970; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: Tongan and English. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: pa'anga. Capital: Nuku'alofa. Pop: 106 322 (2013 est). Area: 750 sq km (290 sq miles)Also called: Friendly Islands

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012