# thong

/ˈθɔŋ/ (US) · /θˈɒŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thong
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a type of underwear or swimwear that has a very narrow strip of fabric at the back. In some countries, like Australia, this word also means a simple rubber sandal held on by a V-shaped strap.

For teachers: a garment for the lower body consisting of a narrow strip of fabric passing between the buttocks, attached to a waistband. In Australian English, refers to a backless rubber sandal held on the foot by a strap between the first and second toes.

## Examples

- She wore a thong under her tight dress to avoid visible lines.
- While packing for the beach holiday, he made sure to include several pairs of thongs for walking on the hot sand.
- The evolution of the thong from a functional piece of athletic supporter equipment to a mainstream fashion staple illustrates significant shifts in public attitudes toward body image and garment visibility.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I am wearing a thong on my feet." but "I am wearing thongs on my feet." — When referring to footwear, the word is almost always plural; the singular form usually refers to the underwear.

## Usage notes

- In the footwear sense, usually used in the plural ('thongs').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.