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

The surgeons used forceps to grab at a loop that was poking into view and then needed multiple tugs to gently slide out the rest. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026

Earwigs, often called pincher bugs, are small insects known for their distinctive rear pincers or forceps. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2026

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

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)