# Tonga

/ˈtɑnɡə/ (US) · /tˈɒŋɡɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The tourists took a tonga to see the old city gates.
- In many smaller towns, the rhythmic sound of a tonga on the road is still a familiar part of daily life.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

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