tuning fork

noun

: a 2-pronged metal implement that gives a fixed tone when struck and is useful for tuning musical instruments and ascertaining standard pitch

Illustration of tuning fork

Illustration of tuning fork

Examples of tuning fork 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.
And the wood sound might not end up being pure tuning fork. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 4 July 2024 The reverberation of a tuning fork — Remedios had brought one to rehearsal — seemed the right ballpark noise, but there were further details to consider. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 4 July 2024 But after a few shots of soundless frustration, the Doctor’s best plan is rendered useless by a tuning fork and a puddle. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 10 May 2024 The researchers behind the new study, including Davis and undergraduate ecology students, conducted more than 350 tests on spiders across 20 roads using a tuning fork on the spider’s web to simulate prey behavior. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tuning fork 

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tuning fork was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near tuning fork

Cite this Entry

“Tuning fork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tuning%20fork. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tuning fork

noun
: a metal instrument that gives a fixed tone when struck and is useful in tuning musical instruments

Medical Definition

tuning fork

noun
tun·​ing fork ˈt(y)ün-iŋ- How to pronounce tuning fork (audio)
: a 2-pronged metal implement that gives a fixed tone when struck

More from Merriam-Webster on tuning fork

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!