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

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 • Mar. 12, 2025

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

Using tongs, grab 5 to 7 chunks of chicken tikka and distribute the pieces over the chana masala.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2024

Sairy handed her tongs to Tiller so that he could take over the frying of the bacon.

From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech