sling

[ sling ]

/ slɪŋ /

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See synonyms for: sling / slinging / slung on Thesaurus.com

noun

a device for hurling stones or other missiles that consists, typically, of a short strap with a long string at each end and that is operated by placing the missile in the strap, and, holding the ends of the strings in one hand, whirling the instrument around in a circle and releasing one of the strings to discharge the missile.

slingshot.

a bandage used to suspend or support an injured part of the body, commonly a bandage suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.

a strap, band, or the like, forming a loop by which something is suspended or carried, as a strap attached to a rifle and passed over the shoulder.

sling-back (def. 1).

an act or instance of slinging.

a rope, chain, net, etc., for hoisting freight or for holding it while being hoisted.

Nautical.

a chain for supporting a hoisting yard.
slings, the area of a hoisting yard to which such chains are attached; the middle of a hoisting yard.

verb (used with object), slung, sling·ing.

to throw, cast, or hurl; fling, as from the hand.

to place in or secure with a sling to raise or lower.

to raise, lower, etc., by such means.

to hang by a sling or place so as to swing loosely: to sling a rifle over one's shoulder.

to suspend: to sling a hammock between two trees.

OTHER WORDS FOR sling

9 pitch, toss.

See synonyms for sling on Thesaurus.com

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Idioms about sling

sling hash, Slang. to work as a waiter or waitress, especially at a lunch counter or cheap restaurant.

Origin of sling

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English (verb) slyngen, from Old Norse slyngva “to sling, fling,” cognate with Old English slingan “to wind, twist”; (noun) Middle English, perhaps derivative of the verb, though the sense “strap, hoist” may be of distinct origin

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH sling

sling , slink

Other definitions for sling (2 of 2)

sling²

[ sling ]

/ slɪŋ /

noun

an iced alcoholic drink, typically containing gin, water, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.

Origin of sling

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; of uncertain origin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use sling in a sentence

Carefully lift the pan from the pot using potholders and the trivet handles or foil sling.
Yes, you can use your Instant Pot to make the creamiest of cheesecakes and other desserts|Jessie Sheehan|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
Harness, carabiners, extra slings, Prusik loops, ATC for rappelling—check.
On Sleeping in the Largest Organism on Earth|Leath Tonino|November 19, 2020|Outside Online
They allegedly ran their far-flung, online drug-slinging operation like a buttoned-down business—until it all unraveled.
Feds Smoke Out Synthetic Weed Dealers’ Online Empire|Olivia Nuzzi|June 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the Harvey Weinstein era, the mud slinging during awards season has come fast and furious.
The Worst Oscar Smear Campaigns: From ‘Good Will Hunting’ to ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’|Marlow Stern|February 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Graham disavowed any connection to Freelee and her banana-slinging cohorts.
Why the ‘30 Bananas a Day Diet’ Is Monkey Business|Abby Haglage|January 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To make ends meet, she held a variety of odd jobs, from “selling newspapers door-to-door” to “slinging Orange Juliuses in a mall.”
13 Things You Didn’t Know About Wendy Davis|Erin Cunningham|August 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Too young to remember the crash of 2008 in vivid detail, Fox has been slinging stocks while on the set for the last few years.
When Celebrities Like Mila Kunis Talk Stocks, It’s Time to Get Out of the Market|Daniel Gross|March 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
From dawn to breakfast time all hands busy slinging shells—modern war sinews—piles of them—aboard.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
And she too now ignored me, and busied herself in gathering up their few belongings and slinging them on her back.
A Virginia Scout|Hugh Pendexter
"I will go up and have a look at her," Turnbull said; and slinging his glass over his shoulder he went aloft.
A Roving Commission|G. A. Henty
When the food was gone the savages plundered the house, making bundles of what they wanted and slinging them over their shoulders.
Historic Adventures|Rupert S. Holland
And the sub-commanders are all the time slinging it around the ocean—testing their instruments sometimes, I dare say.
Tom Slade with the Colors|Percy K. Fitzhugh

British Dictionary definitions for sling (1 of 2)

sling¹

/ (slɪŋ) /

noun

a simple weapon consisting of a loop of leather, etc, in which a stone is whirled and then let fly

a rope or strap by which something may be secured or lifted

a rope net swung from a crane, used for loading and unloading cargo

nautical

a halyard for a yard
(often plural) the part of a yard where the sling is attached

med a wide piece of cloth suspended from the neck for supporting an injured hand or arm across the front of the body

a loop or band attached to an object for carrying

mountaineering a loop of rope or tape used for support in belays, abseils, etc

the act of slinging

verb slings, slinging or slung

(tr) to hurl with or as if with a sling

to attach a sling or slings to (a load, etc)

(tr) to carry or hang loosely from or as if from a slingto sling washing from the line

informal to throw

(intr) Australian informal to pay a part of one's wages or profits as a bribe or tip

Derived forms of sling

slinger, noun

Word Origin for sling

C13: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse slyngva to hurl, Old High German slingan

British Dictionary definitions for sling (2 of 2)

sling²

/ (slɪŋ) /

noun

a mixed drink with a spirit base, usually sweetened

Word Origin for sling

C19: of uncertain origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for sling

sling

[ slĭng ]

A supporting bandage or suspensory device, especially a loop suspended from the neck and supporting the flexed forearm.

Other Idioms and Phrases with sling

sling

In addition to the idioms beginning with sling

sling hash
sling mud at

also see:

ass in a sling

sling

OTHER WORDS FOR sling

Idioms about sling

Origin of sling

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH sling

Other definitions for sling (2 of 2)

Origin of sling

Words related to sling

How to use sling in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sling (1 of 2)

Derived forms of sling

Word Origin for sling

British Dictionary definitions for sling (2 of 2)

Word Origin for sling

Medical definitions for sling

Other Idioms and Phrases with sling