name
Uncommon
Tonga
TONG-uh
Tonga (name) means a Pacific island kingdom in Polynesia, made up of more than 170 islands, with its capital at Nuku'alofa. Example: “Tonga is one of the few Pacific nations never formally colonized by a European power.”
name
1
A Pacific island kingdom in Polynesia, made up of more than 170 islands, with its capital at Nuku'alofa.
"Tonga is one of the few Pacific nations never formally colonized by a European power."
noun
1
A light, two-wheeled carriage pulled by a horse, traditionally used for passenger transport in South Asia.
"They hired a tonga to take them through the old city streets."
"When his tyre went flat, he leapt off and shouted for a tonga."
— EM Forster, A Passage to India (1924)
"The Muslim ladies who earlier moved out in covered palanquins, dolis and muhafas or completely veiled coaches and victorias are now obliged to go about in tongas, rikshaws and buses leaving aside the earlier scruples."
— Abulhasan 'Ali Nadvi, The Musalman (1972)
How to use Tonga
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often refers to the Pacific island nation; less commonly, a traditional horse-drawn cart used in India and Pakistan.
Easily confused with
Tongan
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Word forms
- Plural
- Tongas
Fill the gap
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_____ is one of the few Pacific nations never formally colonized by a European power.
Etymology
The country's name comes from a Polynesian word meaning "south." The carriage sense is unrelated, from a South Asian language.
Rhymes for Tonga
See all rhymes for Tonga →Frequently asked questions
What does “Tonga” mean?
The word “Tonga” means a Pacific island kingdom in Polynesia, made up of more than 170 islands, with its capital at Nuku'alofa. In plain terms, most often refers to the Pacific island nation; less commonly, a traditional horse-drawn cart used in India and Pakistan.
How do you pronounce “Tonga”?
“Tonga” is pronounced TONG-uh (/ˈtɑŋ.ɡə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Tonga” in a sentence?
Here is “Tonga” used in a sentence: “Tonga is one of the few Pacific nations never formally colonized by a European power.”
What part of speech is “Tonga”?
Depending on how it is used, “Tonga” can be a name and a noun.
Is “Tonga” a common word?
“Tonga” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Tonga” have?
“Tonga” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Pacific island kingdom in Polynesia, made up of more than 170 islands, with its capital at Nuku'alofa.
