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

Examples of tuning fork in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

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- 

: a 2-pronged metal implement that gives a fixed tone when struck