prong

1 of 2

noun

ˈprȯŋ How to pronounce prong (audio)
ˈpräŋ
1
: fork
2
: a tine of a fork
3
: a slender pointed or projecting part: such as
a
: a fang of a tooth
b
: a point of an antler
4
: something resembling a prong

prong

2 of 2

verb

pronged; pronging; prongs

transitive verb

: to stab, pierce, or break up with a pronged device

Examples of prong in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
All four sides are designed to contour to different areas of the face for effective massage; the prongs also work as a scalp massager. Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 8 Dec. 2024 My carpenter friend informs me that the prongs on a rake are also called tines. Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
The chat reportedly suggested the members had strong ties to the police force, which then brought police corruption into the multi-pronged scandal. Caitlin Kelley, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2019 Apparently, there's now a new twist on the classic shape, looking a little more modern with an oval center stone and spiky pronged diamonds surrounding it. Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, 2 Aug. 2019 See all Example Sentences for prong 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English pronge

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prong was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prong

Cite this Entry

“Prong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prong. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

prong

noun
ˈprȯŋ,
ˈpräŋ
1
2
: one of the sharp points of a fork : tine
3
: a slender pointed part that sticks out (as on an antler)
4
: something resembling a prong
there are two prongs to the argument
pronged
ˈprȯŋd
ˈpräŋd
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prong

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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