tongs

[tawngz, tongz]

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 ).

tongs

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tongs¹

tong ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tongs¹

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

Example Sentences

At that same moment, Scarlett moved towards her dad, perhaps in a bid to grab the tongs, and ran on to the blade, Ms Hall says.

From BBC

Vickers told the court he swiped a pair of tongs towards Scarlett which must have caught a knife, which he had not seen.

From BBC

When he came home he had to use kitchen tongs to remove shrapnel still lodged in his body because his family had run out of money to pay for any more medical care.

From BBC

Oliver James, another flatmate who is studying zoology, transferred the scorpion into a plastic container with kitchen tongs.

From BBC

Add the lobster meat and toss to combine using tongs.

From Salon