tongs

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

\ ˈtäŋz

, ˈtȯŋz \

Definition of tongs

: any of numerous grasping devices consisting commonly of two pieces joined at one end by a pivot or hinged like scissors

Examples of tongs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a serving dish. — Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, "Three recipes that take the guesswork out of braising chicken," 2 Feb. 2021 When the chicken is done, use tongs to transfer the meat to a bowl. — Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, "Three recipes that take the guesswork out of braising chicken," 2 Feb. 2021 Mitch Jurisich, a third-generation oysterman, dropped a long pair of oyster tongs into the Gulf of Mexico and lightly raked the water bottom. — Halle Parker | Staff Writer, NOLA.com, "Massive, unexplained bivalve die-off sends many Louisiana oystermen back to square one," 31 Jan. 2021 After 30 minutes, use tongs to transfer sausages and chicken to a covered container. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, "Boiled dinner sounds so much sexier in French: Pot au feu. Either way, it’s the warm comfort you need now.," 25 Jan. 2021 Use tongs to place them in a bowl, reserving the liquid. — Benjamin Kemper, Bon Appétit, "My Only Holiday Plan Is Making My Own Mussels in Escabeche," 21 Dec. 2020 Move wings directly over the heat source with the lid up, keeping a close eye on the wings and rotating as needed with tongs. — Chuck Blount, ExpressNews.com, "Recipe: Honey Sriracha Wings," 25 Jan. 2021 Using tongs, twirl a portion of the noodles into a tight bundle and transfer to a serving plate. — Kate Krader, Bloomberg.com, "A Star Chef Breaks the Rules With a One-Hour Bolognese Sauce," 15 Jan. 2021 Handles are not strictly necessary when using a broiler in the oven, as long as the cook uses tongs or spatulas to remove the food safely. — Michael Pollick, chicagotribune.com, "The best broiler pan," 19 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tongs.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.