name
Tonga
TONG-uh
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."
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
Word Forms
Tongas plural, tongas plural
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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.