ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tonga

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈtɑnɡə// UK //tˈɒŋɡɐ// ton·ga

n. a light carriage with two wheels that is pulled by a horse. It is a common way to travel in parts of India and Pakistan.

n. a light, two-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle used for transport in the Indian subcontinent. Typically features a canopy and seats for four passengers, with two facing forward and two backward.


SIMPLE

The tourists took a tonga to see the old city gates.

CONTEXTUAL

In many smaller towns, the rhythmic sound of a tonga on the road is still a familiar part of daily life.

COMPLEX

While modern taxis have largely replaced traditional transport, the tonga remains a popular choice for those seeking a nostalgic journey through the historic districts of Lahore or Delhi.

Origin

From Tongan Tonga, from Samoan toga (“southern”).

Usage

Commonly used in South Asian contexts; the driver is often referred to as a 'tongawalla'.

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