prong

[ prawng, prong ]
See synonyms for: prongprongedpronging on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. one of the pointed tines of a fork.

  2. any pointed, projecting part, as of an antler.

  1. a branch of a stream.

  2. Jewelry. a tapering metal projection, usually heavier than a claw, rising from the base of a jewelry setting and used to hold a stone in position as needed.: Compare claw (def. 7).

verb (used with object)
  1. to pierce or stab with or as if with a prong.

  2. to supply with prongs.

Origin of prong

1
1400–50; late Middle English pronge, prange pain, affliction, pointed instrument; akin to Old Swedish prang gorge, narrow street, Middle Low German prange stake, prangen to press, Gothic anaprangan to oppress

Other words for prong

Words Nearby prong

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use prong in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for prong

prong

/ (prɒŋ) /


noun
  1. a sharply pointed end of an instrument, such as on a fork

  2. any pointed projecting part

verb
  1. (tr) to prick or spear with or as if with a prong

Origin of prong

1
C15: related to Middle Low German prange a stake, Gothic anaprangan to afflict

Derived forms of prong

  • pronged, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012