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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 adjective

Examples of thong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal Upgrade your flip-flops with the Gizeh’s sturdy thong silhouette and luxe nubuck leather. Gabriela Garcia, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025 The heeled thong sandal design merges the casual look of a flip-flop, which are 2025’s trendiest shoe silhouette, with the elevated style of a heel. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Nov. 2025 This thong bodysuit from Spanx, which has a wireless bra design, is ideal for anyone who wants tummy control under a plunging neckline or open-back dress, says Lily Flast, expert bra fitter and founder of virtual bra fitter Soutien. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 26 Nov. 2025 In the first episode, Kardashian sports a figure-hugging navy blue pinstripe suit that features a skirt with a dipped back — revealing maroon thong underwear. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for thong

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thong was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thong. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

thong

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on thong

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