thong

noun

ˈthȯŋ How to pronounce thong (audio)
plural thongs
1
: a strip especially of leather or hide
2
: a sandal held on the foot by a thong fitting between the toes and connected to a strap across the top or around the sides of the foot
3
: an article of swimwear or underwear with the back portion consisting of a narrow strip of cloth that passes between the buttocks and connects with a waistband
thonged
ˈthȯŋd How to pronounce thong (audio)
adjective

Examples of thong 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.
The thong sandal and the minimalist mule heel, like the Paris Texas style, dominated the women’s footwear scene this summer, especially among celebrities. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Barefoot, shirtless and thong-wearing visitors ignore the dress code. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026 First, a silky pink thong embroidered with flowers followed by an oversized dusty-pink graphic T-shirt sans bra, and black-and-white striped drawstring pants. — Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026 In her latest post, the model poses topless wearing nothing but a lace thong and a robe. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thong

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English thwong; akin to Old Norse thvengr thong

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thong was before the 12th century

Rhymes for thong

See All Rhymes for thong

Browse Nearby Words

Thondraki
thong
Thonga
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thong.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thong. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thong

noun
ˈthȯŋ How to pronounce thong (audio)
1
: a strip of leather used especially for fastening something
2
: a sandal held on the foot by a thong fitting between the toes and connected to a strap across the top or around the sides of the foot
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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