Definition of hammer and tongs
: with great force, vigor, or violence
went at it hammer and tongs
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share hammer and tongs
Time Traveler for hammer and tongs
The first known use of hammer and tongs was circa 1780
See more words from the same year