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tongs

[ tawngz, tongz ]
/ tɔŋz, tɒŋz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR tongs

noun (usually used with a plural verb)

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

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Origin of tongs

see origin at tong1

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH tongs

thongs, tongs , tongues

Words nearby tongs

tonga, Tongan, Tongass National Forest, Tonghua, tongman, tongs, tongue, tongue-and-groove joint, tongue cover, tongue crib, tongued
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to tongs

pliers, forceps

Example sentences from the Web for tongs

British Dictionary definitions for tongs

tongs
/ (tɒŋz) /

pl n

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

Word Origin for tongs

plural of Old English tange; related to Old Saxon tanga, Old High German zanga, Old Norse tong
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