tongs
noun
ˈtäŋz 
ˈtȯŋz
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: any of numerous grasping devices consisting commonly of two pieces joined at one end by a pivot or hinged like scissors
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly into the sauce. 
Christa Sgobba, SELF, 9 Sep. 2022 And moving the very hot probe around between pieces of meat was easy using tongs, thanks to the flared head. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 1 Sep. 2022 Using tongs, rotate them and broil until the peppers blacken all around. G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2022 Cook until bottoms are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes; gently flip pot stickers using tongs. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 30 July 2022 Using tongs, remove pastrami from skillet, allowing extra liquid to drip off, then divide evenly among 4 slices of bread. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 July 2022 Once the entire wok is very hot, using tongs if needed for safety, use a dry paper towel or hand towel to rub the interior surface with a high-smoke-point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping, 20 July 2022 Their unique design also makes the skewers easier to grip and flip on the grill using tongs. Noma Nazish, Forbes, 17 June 2022 Whole Foods said samples vary by location and range from ones offered in containers with tongs for self-serve to those in single-use cups given by staff. Jaewon Kang, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 See More
Christa Sgobba, SELF, 9 Sep. 2022 And moving the very hot probe around between pieces of meat was easy using tongs, thanks to the flared head. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 1 Sep. 2022 Using tongs, rotate them and broil until the peppers blacken all around. G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2022 Cook until bottoms are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes; gently flip pot stickers using tongs. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 30 July 2022 Using tongs, remove pastrami from skillet, allowing extra liquid to drip off, then divide evenly among 4 slices of bread. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 26 July 2022 Once the entire wok is very hot, using tongs if needed for safety, use a dry paper towel or hand towel to rub the interior surface with a high-smoke-point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping, 20 July 2022 Their unique design also makes the skewers easier to grip and flip on the grill using tongs. Noma Nazish, Forbes, 17 June 2022 Whole Foods said samples vary by location and range from ones offered in containers with tongs for self-serve to those in single-use cups given by staff. Jaewon Kang, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English tonges, plural of tonge, from Old English tang; akin to Old High German zanga tongs and perhaps to Greek daknein to bite
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing tongs
Kids Definition
tongs
noun plural
ˈtäŋz
ˈtȯŋz
: a tool for taking hold of or lifting something that consists usually of two movable pieces joined at one end or in the middle