tongs

IPA/tɒŋz/
KK[tˈɑŋz]IPA/tɑːŋz/

tongs — noun

1. a handheld implement with two metal arms that pivot at a hinge, so that squeezin

1.nounB1
Definition

a handheld implement with two metal arms that pivot at a hinge, so that squeezing the handles brings the tips together to grip objects firmly

Example

The chef used a pair of tongs to lift the hot steak off the grill.

collocation: a pair of tongs

My grandmother reached for the coal tongs to add another lump to the fire.

collocation: coal tongs

Common collocations
  • a pair of tongs
  • kitchen tongs
  • coal tongs
  • salad tongs
  • sugar tongs
  • iron tongs
  • grip with tongs
  • lift with tongs
Synonyms
  • grabbers

    informal; less common than tongs

  • pincers

    for gripping and pulling, not lifting — different action

Grammar Patterns

a pair of tongs

tongs + for + noun

Usage Note

Tongs are always referred to in the plural form; use 'a pair of tongs' to refer to a single tool.

Common Mistakes

I need a tong to pick up the ice.
I need a pair of tongs to pick up the ice.
'tongs' is always plural, like 'scissors' or 'trousers'.

2. a heated styling tool shaped like a cylinder, used to twist and curl hair into r

2.nounB1
Definition

a heated styling tool shaped like a cylinder, used to twist and curl hair into ringlets or waves

Example

Lin turned on her curling tongs and waited for the heat before curling her hair.

collocation: curling tongs

The hairdresser used a pair of curling tongs to give the bride soft, bouncy curls.

collocation: a pair of curling tongs

Common collocations
  • curling tongs
  • a pair of curling tongs
  • heat up the tongs
  • curl with tongs
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

a pair of curling tongs

curling tongs

Usage Note

In American English, this tool is usually called a 'curling iron' or 'curling wand' rather than 'curling tongs'.

Common Mistakes

She bought a curling tong.
She bought a pair of curling tongs.
like all tongs, the word is always in plural form.
Idioms

hammer and tongs

idiom

with great energy, noise, and force — used to describe two people arguing, fighting, or doing something very vigorously

We could hear the neighbours going at it hammer and tongs, shouting at each other through the walls.

The two politicians went hammer and tongs at one another during the live debate on television.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Tongs, pincers, pliers, and grabbers are all tools used for gripping, but they differ in design and typical use. Tongs are long-handled tools joined at a pivot — ideal for lifting and moving objects at a distance (e.g., food on a grill, coal in a fire). Pincers have a sharp, curved jaw designed for pulling nails or gripping tightly, not for lifting. Pliers are hinged hand tools with flat jaws used for bending, cutting, or holding small items like wires. Grabbers is an informal term for any reaching device; it is not specialised. For example: 'Use tongs to serve the salad.' vs. 'Use pincers to pull out that nail.' vs. 'Use pliers to tighten the wire.'

tongs ↗pincers ↗pliers ↗grabbers ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • tongs and a bowl
  • tongs for gripping

Prepositions

  • with tongs
  • by the tongs

Etymology

Old EnglishProto-GermanicEnglish

The word 'tongs' comes from Old English 'tange' or 'tonge', meaning a pair of pincers or a forked tool. It is related to the Old Norse word 'tǫng' (tongs) and the German word 'Zange' (pliers). The plural form has been standard since the earliest written records because the tool is made of two matching halves.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined above