tongs
[ tawngz, tongz ]
/ tɔŋz, tɒŋz /
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).
Origin of tongs
see origin at
tong1
Words nearby tongs
Definition for tongs (2 of 3)
tong
1
[ tawng, tong ]
/ tɔŋ, tɒŋ /
noun
verb (used with object)
to lift, seize, gather, hold, or handle with tongs, as logs or oysters.
verb (used without object)
to use, or work with, tongs.
Origin of tong
1
before 900; 1865–70,
for def 2; Middle English
tong(e) (singular),
tongen, tonges (plural), Old English; cognate with Dutch
tang, German
Zange pair of tongs or pincers; akin to Greek
dáknein to bite
OTHER WORDS FROM tong
tong·er, nounDefinition for tongs (3 of 3)
tong
2
[ tawng, tong ]
/ tɔŋ, tɒŋ /
noun
(in China) an association, society, or political party.
(among Chinese living in the U.S.) a fraternal or secret society, often associated with criminal activities.
Origin of tong
2
1880–85,
Americanism; < dialectal Chinese (Guangdong)
tòhng, akin to Chinese
táng meeting hall
Example sentences from the Web for tongs
British Dictionary definitions for tongs (1 of 3)
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 end
Also 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
British Dictionary definitions for tongs (2 of 3)
tong
1
/ (tɒŋ) /
verb (tr)
to gather or seize with tongs
to curl or style (hair) with curling tongs
British Dictionary definitions for tongs (3 of 3)
tong
2
/ (tɒŋ) /
noun
(formerly) a Chinese secret society or association, esp one popularly assumed to engage in criminal activities
Word Origin for tong
C20: from Chinese (Cantonese)
t'ong meeting place
Idioms and Phrases with tongs
tong
see hammer and tongs.