sling
1a 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.
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.
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.
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.
Idioms about sling
sling hash, Slang. to work as a waiter or waitress, especially at a lunch counter or cheap restaurant.
Origin of sling
1Other words for sling
Words that may be confused with sling
- sling , slink
Other definitions for sling (2 of 2)
an iced alcoholic drink, typically containing gin, water, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.
Origin of sling
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
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 PostHarness, carabiners, extra slings, Prusik loops, ATC for rappelling—check.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTIn 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 | THE DAILY BEASTIn 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 | THE 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.”
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 | THE DAILY BEASTFrom dawn to breakfast time all hands busy slinging shells—modern war sinews—piles of them—aboard.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian HamiltonAnd 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. HentyWhen 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. HollandAnd 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)
/ (slɪŋ) /
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
(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 sling: to 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
Origin of sling
1Derived forms of sling
- slinger, noun
British Dictionary definitions for sling (2 of 2)
/ (slɪŋ) /
a mixed drink with a spirit base, usually sweetened
Origin of sling
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with sling
In addition to the idioms beginning with sling
- sling hash
- sling mud at
also see:
- ass in a sling
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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