First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1sling
transitive verb \ˈsliŋ\
slung \ˈsləŋ\ sling·ing \ˈsliŋ-iŋ\
Definition of SLING
1
: to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion <slung the sack over my shoulder>
2
: to throw with or as if with a sling <slinging punches> <political campaigners slinging mud>
3
: to serve (food) to a customer <had a job slinging hamburgers>
— sling·er \ˈsliŋ-ər\ noun
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Origin of SLING
Middle English, probably from Old Norse slyngva to hurl; akin to Old English & Old High German slingan to worm, twist, Lithuanian slinkti
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
2sling
noun
Definition of SLING
1
a : 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 b : slingshot 1
2
a : 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 b : a chain or rope attached to a lower yard at the middle and passing around a mast near the masthead to support a yard c : a chain hooked at the bow and stern of a boat for lowering or hoisting d : a device (as a rope net) for enclosing material to be hoisted by a tackle or crane
3
: a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile
First Known Use of SLING
14th century
3sling
transitive verb
slung \ˈsləŋ\ sling·ing \ˈsliŋ-iŋ\
Definition of SLING
1
: to place in a sling for hoisting or lowering
2
: to suspend by or as if by a sling
First Known Use of SLING
1522
4sling
noun
Definition of SLING
: 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>
Origin of SLING
origin unknown
First Known Use: 1768
SLING Defined for Kids
1sling
verb \ˈsliŋ\
slung \ˈsləŋ\sling·ing
Definition of SLING for Kids
1
: to throw with a sudden sweeping motion : fling <She slung her backpack over her shoulder.>
2
: to hurl with a sling
2sling
noun
Definition of SLING for Kids
1
: a device (as a short strap with a string attached at each end) for hurling stones
2
: a device (as a rope or chain) by which something is lifted or carried
3
: a bandage hanging from the neck to hold up the arm or hand
3sling
verb
slung \ˈsləŋ\sling·ing
Definition of SLING for Kids
1
: to put in or move or support with a sling
2
: to hang from two points <sling a hammock>
Medical Dictionary
sling
noun \ˈsliŋ\
Medical Definition of SLING
1
: a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand
2
: a harness especially constructed for supporting a sick animal in a standing position
Learn More About SLING
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