Illustration of forceps
forceps
noun
for·ceps ˈfȯr-səps 
-ˌseps
plural forceps
: an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by jewelers or surgeons)
forcepslike
ˈfȯr-səps-ˌlīk
adjective -ˌseps-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The zinger is one of the best inventions in sport, essentially a small retractable leash for tools like clippers, forceps, and more. 
Mark Stock, Men's Health, 24 Aug. 2022 Utah wildlife managers say anglers should try to quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers, and use wet hands when handling the fish. Jessica Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 July 2022 Slightly larger bots could carry tiny cameras or forceps, which would be useful for minimally invasive medical procedures. Fionna M. D. Samuels, Scientific American, 14 June 2022 One friend warned me that his daughter’s shoulders had gotten stuck on her way out of the womb and that the doctors, who were about to break her collarbone, finally managed to get her out with some large forceps. Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 6 June 2022 Trager and employees at the Huntington generally use gloves, eyewear and various tongs and forceps to handle cactus and avoid getting poked. Aliese Willard Muhonen, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2022 This includes a net, forceps or needle-nosed pliers and a camera if a photo is desired. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2022 Doctors had no choice but to pluck the bloodsuckers out, one by one, using forceps. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Apr. 2022 The roach was dropped into one cup of juice, stirred with a forceps and then removed. New York Times, 27 Dec. 2021 See More
Mark Stock, Men's Health, 24 Aug. 2022 Utah wildlife managers say anglers should try to quickly remove the hook with forceps or needle-nosed pliers, and use wet hands when handling the fish. Jessica Miller, The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 July 2022 Slightly larger bots could carry tiny cameras or forceps, which would be useful for minimally invasive medical procedures. Fionna M. D. Samuels, Scientific American, 14 June 2022 One friend warned me that his daughter’s shoulders had gotten stuck on her way out of the womb and that the doctors, who were about to break her collarbone, finally managed to get her out with some large forceps. Keith Gessen, The New Yorker, 6 June 2022 Trager and employees at the Huntington generally use gloves, eyewear and various tongs and forceps to handle cactus and avoid getting poked. Aliese Willard Muhonen, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2022 This includes a net, forceps or needle-nosed pliers and a camera if a photo is desired. Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2022 Doctors had no choice but to pluck the bloodsuckers out, one by one, using forceps. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 6 Apr. 2022 The roach was dropped into one cup of juice, stirred with a forceps and then removed. New York Times, 27 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin, tongs, perhaps from formus warm + capere to take — more at therm, heave entry 1
First Known Use
1634, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
forceps
noun
for·ceps ˈfȯr-səps
plural forceps
: an instrument for grasping, holding, or pulling on things especially in delicate operations (as by a jeweler or surgeon)
Medical Definition
forceps
noun
for·ceps ˈfȯr-səps -ˌseps
-ˌseps plural forceps
: an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by surgeons, obstetricians, or dentists)