Word
tongs
US/ˈtɑŋz/
UK/tˈɒŋz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. a tool with two long arms that you use to pick up or move things, especially hot food. You often use them in the kitchen to handle meat or seafood.
n. a pair of long, hinged arms used for grasping, lifting, or turning objects, particularly in culinary or industrial contexts. Often used for handling items that are too hot or sharp to touch directly.
Examples
“Use tongs to turn the steaks on the grill.”
“The chef reached for a pair of heavy-duty tongs to safely move the large, hot pan from the oven to the cooling rack.”
“While modern kitchens offer various gadgets, many professional chefs still prefer using tongs for their versatility in flipping delicate fish fillets or managing heavy-duty barbecue items without losing grip.”
Examples
simple
“Use tongs to turn the steaks on the grill.”
contextual
“The chef reached for a pair of heavy-duty tongs to safely move the large, hot pan from the oven to the cooling rack.”
complex
“While modern kitchens offer various gadgets, many professional chefs still prefer using tongs for their versatility in flipping delicate fish fillets or managing heavy-duty barbecue items without losing grip.”
Etymology
tong ("tool for manipulating things in a fire") + -s
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
01. hammer and tongs
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 2
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/tongs