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

tong ¹

Example Sentences

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

While muffins are still warm, use tongs to dip each muffin in melted butter and pecan-sugar mixture, or use a pastry brush to brush butter on each muffin before rolling in pecan sugar.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2024

“This one, perfect. This” — he used his tongs as a pointer — “is so-called undercooked. And this” — he pointed again — “is overdone.”

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen