What does "fling" mean?
An act of throwing, often violently.
Fling
/ˈflɪŋ/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An act of throwing, often violently.
- Grammar: fling is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: affair, approach, assay, attempt.
- Useful contrasts: calm, catch, commitment.
- Usage evidence: Sami was having a fling with Layla.
How to use "fling"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fling" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fling" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fling" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fling" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fling" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "affair" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "fling", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An act of throwing, often violently.
- 2 the act of flinging wordnet
- 3 An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
"the fling of a horse"
- 4 a brief indulgence of your impulses wordnet
- 5 An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
"When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a usually brief attempt wordnet
- 7 A short romantic, oftentimes sexual, relationship.
"a summer fling"
- 8 An attempt, a try. figuratively
"give it a fling"
- 9 A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt. obsolete
"I, who love to have a fling, / Both at senate house and king."
- 10 A lively Scottish country dance.
"the Highland fling"
- 11 A trifling matter; an object of contempt. obsolete
"ante 1800, old proverb England were but a fling / Save for the crooked stick and the grey goose wing."
Verb
- 1 To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl. transitive
"'Tis Fate that casts the Dice, and as she flings, Of Kings makes Pedants, and of Pedants Kings."
- 2 throw with force or recklessness wordnet
- 3 To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash. intransitive, literary
"And crop-full, out of doors he flings."
- 4 move in an abrupt or headlong manner wordnet
- 5 To throw; to wince; to flounce. archaic, intransitive
"The horse flung most potently, making his heels fly aloft in the air."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 throw or cast away wordnet
- 7 To utter abusive language; to sneer. intransitive, literary
"The scold began to flout and fling."
- 8 indulge oneself wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Antonyms
Example
"Sami was having a fling with Layla."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fling"?
Common synonyms include: affair, approach, assay, attempt, bash, bat.
How do you use "fling" in a sentence?
Sami was having a fling with Layla.
How do you pronounce "fling"?
Pronounced /ˈflɪŋ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English fling, from the verb (see below). Compare Icelandic flengur (“a fast sprint”).
Etymology 2
From Middle English flyngen, from Old Norse flengja (“to whip”), from Proto-Germanic *flangijaną (“to beat, whip”), from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂k- (“to beat”), from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂k-, *pleh₂g- (“to beat”). Cognate with Icelandic flengja (“to spank”), Norwegian flengja (“to rip, tear, or fling open”).