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
Even beyond the slings and arrows aimed at them both in public life, these two women have a lot in common.
The singer had three outfit changes and three blingy slings (adorned with studs, fur, and feathers, respectively) to match.
Pope Francis Inspires Italian Fashion Industry; Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Models For Bulgari | The Fashion Beast Team | July 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTBut for all my slings and arrows, I know for a fact that Donilon—more than any other Obama official—did good for our country.
Surely advanced age is accompanied by increasing numbers of slings and arrows, as well as large amounts of outrageous fortune.
Barbara Walters Hit With Chicken Pox—a Rare Malady Among Octogenarians | Kent Sepkowitz | January 29, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTSo too, the theory goes, with the slings and arrows of daily life.
Being Unemployed Could Help Cause a Heart Attack, Researchers Find | Kent Sepkowitz | November 21, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
The bars were promptly replaced, and the slings fastened in better position.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands | R.M. BallantyneThe slings were affixed, the order to hoist was given by the mate, who had descended from the poop, and stood near the gangway.
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands | R.M. BallantyneToday shepherds tending their flocks upon these same hills of Syria may be seen practicing with slings like those of David.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge | VariousYes, and slings were used in European armies until nearly a hundred years after America was discovered.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge | VariousAnd they came together, and besieged them in the year one hundred and fifty, and they made battering slings and engines.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version | Various
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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