sling

¹

[ sling ]

noun

1. 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.
2. slingshot ( def ).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. sling-back ( def 1 ).
6. an act or instance of slinging.
7. a rope, chain, net, etc., for hoisting freight or for holding it while being hoisted.
8. Nautical.
   1. a chain for supporting a hoisting yard.
   2. 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.

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

   Synonyms: toss, pitch

2. to place in or secure with a sling to raise or lower.
3. to raise, lower, etc., by such means.
4. to hang by a sling or place so as to swing loosely:

   to sling a rifle over one's shoulder.

5. to suspend:

   to sling a hammock between two trees.

sling

²

[ sling ]

noun

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

sling

¹

/ slɪŋ /

noun

1. a mixed drink with a spirit base, usually sweetened

sling

²

/ slɪŋ /

noun

1. a simple weapon consisting of a loop of leather, etc, in which a stone is whirled and then let fly
2. a rope or strap by which something may be secured or lifted
3. a rope net swung from a crane, used for loading and unloading cargo
4. nautical
   1. a halyard for a yard
   2. often plural the part of a yard where the sling is attached
5. med a wide piece of cloth suspended from the neck for supporting an injured hand or arm across the front of the body
6. a loop or band attached to an object for carrying
7. mountaineering a loop of rope or tape used for support in belays, abseils, etc
8. the act of slinging

verb

1. tr to hurl with or as if with a sling
2. to attach a sling or slings to (a load, etc)
3. tr to carry or hang loosely from or as if from a sling

   to sling washing from the line

4. informal.
   to throw
5. informal.
   intr to pay a part of one's wages or profits as a bribe or tip

Derived Forms

• ˈslinger, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sling¹

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

Origin of sling²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sling¹

C19: of uncertain origin

Origin of sling²

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

More idioms and phrases containing sling

• ass in a sling

Example Sentences

Mr Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London in September 2023 by clinging to the underside of a food delivery truck using a makeshift sling.

From BBC

During that evidence he admitted escaping from Wandsworth Prison in London by hanging in a makeshift sling under a food delivery lorry, concealed by the tailgate.

From BBC

At one point she was in a sling because she injured her shoulder having a seizure.

From BBC

First, patients go through a period of “immobilization” of roughly four weeks, Rothenberg said, during which time the shoulder should be subjected to only “very controlled movement” and is often kept cradled in a sling.

From Los Angeles Times

The arms of her jumper had been tied together in a sling with a stone used to weigh her down.

From BBC

Related Words

• dangle
• fling
• heave
• hoist
• hurl
• lob