prong

1 of 2

noun

ˈprȯŋ How to pronounce prong (audio)
ˈpräŋ
Synonyms of prongnext
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
First, put the casters and gas cylinder in the five-prong base. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026 The ring has a classic four-prong platinum mounting and is worth between $3-5 million. — Freya Drohan, InStyle, 30 June 2026
Verb
Longer prongs diffuse less heat on your hair, providing softer curl definition. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 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

Rhymes for prong

See All Rhymes for prong

Browse Nearby Words

proneur
prong
prongbuck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prong. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prong

noun
ˈprȯŋ, 
ˈpräŋ
1
: fork entry 1 sense 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prong

Nglish: Translation of prong for Spanish Speakers

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