tongs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1General, Technical (e.g., cooking, metalworking).
Quick answer
What does “tongs” mean?
A hinged, two-pronged, handheld tool used for grasping and lifting objects, typically made of metal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hinged, two-pronged, handheld tool used for grasping and lifting objects, typically made of metal.
Any similar implement consisting of two long arms joined at one end, used for seizing, holding, or manipulating items.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. 'Barbecue tongs' is more common in US English; 'oven gloves' might be specified more in UK for kitchen use.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Strongly associated with cooking, fireplace management, and industrial handling.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English due to greater prevalence of barbecuing culture.
Grammar
How to Use “tongs” in a Sentence
use [tongs] to [VERB]pick up [OBJECT] with [tongs]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tongs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tonged the sugar lump delicately.
- The blacksmith tonged the hot iron from the forge.
American English
- She tonged the steak on the grill.
- He carefully tonged the specimen into the container.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in manufacturing or logistics contexts for handling materials.
Academic
Appears in historical texts, metallurgy, and culinary science.
Everyday
Common in domestic contexts, especially kitchens and fireplaces.
Technical
Specific terms exist (e.g., crucible tongs, blacksmith's tongs, surgical tongs).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tongs”
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'The tongs is...' is incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'thongs' (a completely different item).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural. You say 'The tongs are...', not 'The tongs is...'.
Tongs are generally for grasping and lifting, often with flat or scalloped ends. Pliers are primarily for gripping, bending, and cutting, with a pivot point much closer to the gripping ends.
Yes, though less common. It means to use tongs on something (e.g., 'to tong the coals').
Confusing it with 'thongs' (flip-flops or underwear) due to similar spelling.
A hinged, two-pronged, handheld tool used for grasping and lifting objects, typically made of metal.
Tongs is usually general, technical (e.g., cooking, metalworking). in register.
Tongs: in British English it is pronounced /tɒŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑːŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “caught in the tongs of fate (literary/rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'ONG' sound in 'long' – tongs have long arms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE HAND.
Practice
Quiz
What grammatical number is 'tongs' typically treated as in a standard sentence?