thong

noun

ˈthȯŋ 

plural thongs

1

: a strip especially of leather or hide

2

: a sandal held on the foot by a thong fitting between the toes and connected to a strap across the top or around the sides of the foot

3

: an article of swimwear or underwear with the back portion consisting of a narrow strip of cloth that passes between the buttocks and connects with a waistband

thonged

ˈthȯŋd 

adjective

Examples of thong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For spring 2026, Chamberlain returns to debut new warm-weather classifications of the Vinnie Sculptural collection, including an 85-mm wedge slide, a 50-mm wedge thong slide and an 85-mm wraparound thong sandal, as well as new colors of the brand’s 50-mm slingback. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026

Bieber finished the look with Toteme’s kitten-heeled thong sandals. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026

Styles are minimalist in design, from wireless bralettes to a variety of underwear silhouettes like Brazilian-cut and thongs, now in cotton jersey, as well. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 2 Feb. 2026

Zoë Kravitz showed up at the 2021 Met Gala in a sheer, crystal Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello slip dress with a matching silver thong underneath. —Colleen Kratofil, PEOPLE, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thwong; akin to Old Norse thvengr thong

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thong

• bhang
• bong
• dong
• gong
• hmong
• jong
• mong
• pong
• prong
• rong
• song
• strong

Kids Definition

thong

noun

ˈthȯŋ 

1

: a strip of leather used especially for fastening something

2

: a sandal held on the foot by a thong fitting between the toes and connected to a strap across the top or around the sides of the foot