prong: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “prong” mean?
One of the two or more sharp, projecting metal points at the end of a fork or similar implement, used for piercing and holding things.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the two or more sharp, projecting metal points at the end of a fork or similar implement, used for piercing and holding things.
Any pointed projecting part, or a division or branch of something, such as an argument, strategy, or attack. In electronics, a prong is a metal pin on a plug.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'prong' is identical in core meaning. In the UK, the projecting parts of a plug are more commonly called 'pins'. The verb 'to prong' (to pierce/stab) is more common in US informal usage.
Connotations
Neutral for the object; the metaphorical use is formal/academic. The verb can have coarse, violent, or vulgar slang connotations.
Frequency
More frequent in technical, military, or strategic contexts in both varieties. The noun is low-frequency in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “prong” in a Sentence
[three]-pronged [noun] (e.g., three-pronged approach)[noun] with [number] prongsprong of [abstract noun] (e.g., prong of the argument)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prong” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gardener pronged the compost to aerate it.
- He was pronged by a stag's antler.
American English
- She pronged a pickle with her fork.
- The suspect was charged with assault with a pronged weapon.
adjective
British English
- A three-pronged electrical plug is safer.
- The government launched a pronged initiative.
American English
- We need a multi-pronged solution to this crisis.
- Buy a replacement pronged adapter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in strategy: 'a two-pronged marketing campaign targeting both demographics'.
Academic
Used in analysis: 'the third prong of the theoretical framework examines social factors'.
Everyday
Describing a fork: 'Be careful, one prong is bent.'
Technical
In electronics: 'The plug has three flat prongs for grounding.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prong”
- Using 'prong' to describe a blunt projection (use 'lug' or 'tab'). Confusing 'prong' (part of a tool) with 'fang' (tooth). Using the verb informally in polite company.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A prong is one of the pointed parts *of* a fork. The fork is the whole object; the prongs are its points.
Yes, but it's less common. It means to pierce or stab with a pronged object. It can be informal and sometimes has vulgar slang connotations, so use cautiously.
They are often synonyms, especially for forks. 'Tine' is slightly more technical/formal and is the specific term for the points on antlers. 'Prong' has wider metaphorical use (e.g., prongs of an argument).
It is standard in formal, academic, military, and business writing to describe multi-faceted plans. In everyday speech, words like 'part', 'branch', or 'element' are more common.
One of the two or more sharp, projecting metal points at the end of a fork or similar implement, used for piercing and holding things.
Prong is usually formal, technical in register.
Prong: in British English it is pronounced /prɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /prɔːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a multi-pronged attack/approach/strategy”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRONG as the PROjectiNG part of a fork.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRATEGIES/ATTACKS ARE FORKS (with multiple points of contact/penetration).
Practice
Quiz
In a formal business context, 'a multi-pronged strategy' means a strategy that is: