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

Doctors grabbed the leech with forceps and carefully removed the animal, now nearly 4 inches long after feeding on the man’s blood supply for at least a week, according to the report. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025

This week, Kieran goes in with the forceps and scalpel to shape Playboi Carti’s new 30-track behemoth, Music, into something closer to a perfect album. March 19, 2025 Illustration by Chris Panicker. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2025

The concern here, of course, is that extended labor might necessitate more aggressive delivery methods, including the use of forceps, a vacuum, or even increase need for Caesarian section. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025

Today, Gracias says, such screening can involve taking dozens of samples with forceps, in an effort to get good statistical coverage of the interior surface of the colon. —IEEE Spectrum, 1 June 2015

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)