sling-back

[ sling-bak ]

noun

1. Also called sling. a woman's shoe with an open back and a strap or sling encircling the heel of the foot to keep the shoe secure.

adjective

1. having such a strap or sling:

   sling-back pumps.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sling-back¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Models marched up a broad staircase to reach the sprawling space in towering sling-back heels, modeling pencil skirts and roomy-legged trousers, neatly cinched at the waist, worn with open-backed bodysuits and silk blouses.

From Reuters

The clean lines in warm monotones put the emphasis on functionality and artisanal detailing: miniskirts were paired with ribbed knit shirts with leather detailing and a close-toe sling-back shoe while dresses cinched at the waist, mimicking a parka, and were worn with Teddy bear ballet flats in shearling.

From Seattle Times

On her head, the model wore a black top hat, its brim gently sloped, while flat sling-back shoes accentuated her long, bare legs.

From Reuters

Think sling-back suede Birkenstocks patterned on the soles with the Dior logo.

From New York Times

Most hypnotic is a 1965 clip of Delia Derbyshire — Oram’s colleague at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop who is perhaps best-known for bringing the eerie original “Doctor Who” theme song to life — visibly enamored of her work as she gives a tutorial on creating music from tape loops, tapping her patent-leather sling-back flat to the beat she has just pulled out of thin air.

From New York Times