Tongs

/tɔŋz/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An implement made of two pieces joined at one end, used for grasping or lifting objects.

She used tongs to flip the burgers on the grill.

A kitchen utensil used to hold and serve food.

The salad was served with a pair of tongs for easy portioning.

A device for handling hot items, often used in cooking or crafting.

He carefully used tongs to remove the hot pan from the oven.

A tool used in various trades for gripping or lifting.

The blacksmith used a set of tongs to hold the heated metal.

A tool used to pick up or manage items that are difficult to handle.

She used long tongs to reach the cookies that were on the top shelf.

Middle English, from Old English 'tang' meaning 'claw' or 'fork'.

a pair of tongs

Refers to the utensil when talking about its dual nature.

tongue and groove

A joint made by fitting together the tongue of one piece with the groove of another.

in the tongue

To be in a situation of difficulty or distress.

pliers

An instrument for gripping or bending objects.

scissors

A cutting instrument with two blades.

Using tongs figuratively to mean taking control or handling something with care.

He dealt with the difficult situation using tongs—not wanting to mess it up.