1. a tool with two hinged arms used for gripping and lifting objects
Usage: usually plural
2. a Chinese secret society or criminal organization
Usage: historical

Examples

• She used tongs to turn the meat on the grill.
• The chef picked up the hot pasta with kitchen tongs.
• Ice tongs are useful for handling ice cubes at parties.
• The blacksmith gripped the red-hot iron with heavy tongs.
• Salad tongs make serving easier at buffets.
• The historical tong wars occurred in San Francisco’s Chinatown.
• Fire tongs help safely move burning logs in the fireplace.