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

My colleagues, meanwhile, used forceps to pick glistening scale worms and peanut worms from the rocks. —Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026

Ogilvie oversteps his duties by sticking his forceps in and beginning to pull out what turns out to be a large shard of glass — before he's stopped mid-pull. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 30 Jan. 2026

With forceps, Tristan arrived completely healthy. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 4 Jan. 2026

The duration and intensity of this type of therapy can vary based on whether or not there was a traumatic delivery—for example, if there was third- or fourth-degree tearing that needed to be repaired, or an assisted delivery with forceps—as well as how many children someone has had. —Jana Pollack, Parents, 2 Dec. 2025

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)