lazy tongs

plural noun

: a series of jointed and pivoted bars capable of great extension used to pick up or handle something at a distance

Illustration of lazy tongs

Illustration of lazy tongs

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lazy tongs was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near lazy tongs

Cite this Entry

“Lazy tongs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lazy%20tongs. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!