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Tongs - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tongs are a tool with two hinged arms used to grip, lift, or handle objects, often in cooking or laboratory work. They provide a secure hold on hot or delicate items.

tongs

/tɔŋz/ /tɒŋz/

Definition:

A tool with two hinged arms used for gripping and lifting objects.

Synonyms:

pincers, forceps, pliers, tweezers

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

hands, fingers

Common Collocations:

kitchen tongs, salad tongs, sugar tongs, barbecue tongs

Derivatives:

tonged, tonging

Usage Tips:

Use 'tongs' for handling hot or delicate items to avoid burns or damage.

Common Phrases:

pair of tongs, sugar tongs, salad tongs

Etymology:

Derived from Old English 'tang', meaning a gripping tool with two arms.

Examples:

  • 1. She used the tongs to pick up the hot coal.
  • 2. The salad tongs made serving easier at the party.
  • 3. He dropped the sugar cube with the sugar tongs.
  • 4. Barbecue tongs are essential for flipping meat safely.

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