tong
word
Definition
A tong is a tool made of two long pieces joined at one end, used for gripping, lifting, or holding things, especially in cooking or serving food.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in the plural form: 'tongs' (e.g., 'a pair of tongs'), but in some contexts 'tong' is used in technical/industrial English. Common in kitchen vocabulary: 'kitchen tongs', 'salad tongs', 'ice tongs'. Not to be confused with 'tongue' (the body part) or 'Chinese tong' (a type of social organization).
Example Sentences
Please use the tong to pick up the hot toast.
basic
He grabbed the ice cubes with a tong.
basic
Kitchen tongs are useful for serving salad.
basic
I can’t find the grill tongs—did you leave them outside?
natural
She deftly turned the steak with a pair of tongs.
natural
You’ll need sturdy tongs to handle those hot coals.
natural