forceps

noun

for·​ceps ˈfȯr-səps  -ˌseps 

plural forceps

: an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by jewelers or surgeons)

forcepslike

ˈfȯr-səps-ˌlīk 

-ˌseps-

adjective

Illustration of forceps

Examples of forceps in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a case report published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the doctors gave the man a topical treatment to numb his eyes and then began plucking out the worms one by one with fine forceps. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026

Stallone’s signature drawl comes from partial facial paralysis caused by a forceps accident at birth. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Earwigs, often called pincher bugs, are small insects known for their distinctive rear pincers or forceps. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

Stallone had a difficult childhood, growing up with a father who was verbally and physically abusive, and enduring bullying from classmates about the slurred speech that was the result of a forceps accident at birth which severed a facial nerve. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, tongs, perhaps from formus warm + capere to take — more at therm, heave entry 1

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

forceps

noun

for·​ceps ˈfȯr-səps 

-ˌseps

plural forceps

: a tool for grasping or holding objects especially in delicate operations (as by a jeweler or surgeon)

forcepslike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

Medical Definition

forceps

noun

for·​ceps ˈfȯr-səps  -ˌseps 

plural forceps

: an instrument for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects especially for delicate operations (as by surgeons, obstetricians, or dentists)