# tong

/ˈtɔŋ/ (US) · /tˈɒŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tong
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a tool with two arms that you use to pick up, hold, or lift things. You usually use them for hot food or pieces of coal.

For teachers: a grasping device consisting of two arms joined at one end or by a pivot. Often used for handling items that are too hot, cold, or unhygienic to touch directly.

## Examples

- He uses a pair of tongs to flip the steak.
- The chef reached for the metal tongs to remove the roasted vegetables from the hot oven tray.
- In the laboratory, researchers must use specialized tongs to manipulate samples stored in liquid nitrogen to prevent severe cryogenic burns to the skin.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Where is the tong?" but "Where are the tongs?" — Like 'scissors' or 'glasses', this is a plural-only noun and requires a plural verb.

## Usage notes

- A plural-only noun; it takes a plural verb and is frequently used with the phrase 'a pair of'.

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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.