sling

1 of 4

verb (1)

ˈsliŋ

slung ˈsləŋ

; slinging ˈsliŋ-iŋ

Synonyms of sling next

transitive verb

: to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion

slung the sack over my shoulder

: to throw with or as if with a sling

slinging punches

political campaigners slinging mud

: to serve (food) to a customer

had a job slinging hamburgers

slinger

ˈsliŋ-ər

noun

sling

2 of 4

noun (1)

: an instrument for throwing stones that usually consists of a short strap with strings fastened to its ends and is whirled round to discharge its missile by centrifugal force

: slingshot sense 1

: a usually looped line (as of strap, chain, or rope) used to hoist, lower, or carry something

especially : a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand

: a chain or rope attached to a lower yard at the middle and passing around a mast near the masthead to support a yard

: a chain hooked at the bow and stern of a boat for lowering or hoisting

: a device (such as a rope net) for enclosing material to be hoisted by a tackle or crane

: a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile

sling

3 of 4

verb (2)

slung ˈsləŋ

; slinging ˈsliŋ-iŋ

transitive verb

: to place in a sling for hoisting or lowering

: to suspend by or as if by a sling

sling

4 of 4

noun (2)

: an alcoholic drink that is served hot or cold and that usually consists of liquor, sugar, lemon juice, and plain or carbonated water

gin sling

rum sling

Choose the Right Synonym for sling

throw, cast, toss, fling, hurl, pitch, sling mean to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force.

throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

Examples of sling in a Sentence

Verb (1) slinging stones at the fence post Verb (2) sling a hammock between the trees

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Verb

That’s part of the reason why the robot slinging sizzling plates of eggs and bacon to Denny’s customers only actually brings the plate to the table. —

Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 20 Nov. 2024 The nods cap off a tumultuous year for the former collaborators, who slung bars with serious allegations of abuse against one another. —

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024

Noun

Despite having been pushed down the stairs by multiple assailants unknown and sustaining an arm injury necessitating a sling, Chef Veev insists on staying at the restaurant to work. —

Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024 All the high-end designers have a sling back or pump for dressier occasions and a classic loafer, like Jimmy Choo’s Marlow Diamond, pairs well with denim. —

Jane Hanson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sling

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English, probably from Old Norse slyngva to hurl; akin to Old English & Old High German slingan to worm, twist, Lithuanian slinkti

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sling was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sling. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

sling

1 of 3 verb

ˈsliŋ

slung ˈsləŋ

; slinging ˈsliŋ-iŋ

: to throw with a sudden sweeping motion

slung the sweater over her shoulder

: to throw with a sling

slinger

ˈsliŋ-ər

noun

sling

2 of 3 noun

: a short strap with strings fastened to its ends that is whirled round to throw something (as a stone)

: slingshot

: something (as a rope or chain) used to hoist, lower, support, or carry something

especially : a bandage hanging from the neck to support an arm or hand

: a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile

sling

3 of 3 verb

slung ˈsləŋ

; slinging ˈsliŋ-iŋ

: to put in or move or support with a sling

: to hang from two points

sling a hammock

Medical Definition

sling

noun

ˈsliŋ

: a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand

: a harness especially constructed for supporting a sick animal in a standing position

Last Updated: 27 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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sling

verb (1)

noun (1)

verb (2)

noun (2)

Synonyms

Examples of sling in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near sling

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition