What does "sling" mean?
An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
Sling
/ˈslɪŋ/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
- Grammar: sling is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: ace bandage, adhesive tape, application, arbalest.
- Useful contrasts: acclaim, catch, detach.
- Usage evidence: I'm putting my ass in a sling for you.
How to use "sling"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sling" 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 "sling" 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 "sling" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sling" 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 "sling" is acting as noun, verb, slang 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 "ace bandage" 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 "sling", 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 instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
"The Sling is also a weapon of great antiquity, formerly in high estimation among the ancients."
- 2 A young or infant spider, such as one raised in captivity.
- 3 bandage to support an injured forearm; consisting of a wide triangular piece of cloth hanging from around the neck wordnet
- 4 A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
- 5 a simple weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a projectile is whirled and then released wordnet
Show 10 more definitions
- 6 A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby or other such load.
- 7 a shoe that has a strap that wraps around the heel wordnet
- 8 A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
- 9 a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones wordnet
- 10 A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
- 11 a highball with liquor and water with sugar and lemon or lime juice wordnet
- 12 A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast. in-plural
- 13 The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
"At one sling Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son."
- 14 A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
- 15 A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
"gin sling"
Verb
- 1 To throw with a circular or arcing motion.
"Everyone could sling stones at an hairbreadth, and not miss."
- 2 hurl as if with a sling wordnet
- 3 To throw with a sling.
- 4 hold or carry in a sling wordnet
- 5 To pass a rope around (a cask, gun, etc.) preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 move with a sling wordnet
- 7 To sell, peddle, or distribute (often illicitly, e.g. drugs, sex, etc.). slang
"You may know a lot about chemistry, man, but you don't know jack about slinging dope."
- 8 hang loosely or freely; let swing wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I'm putting my ass in a sling for you."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sling"?
Common synonyms include: ace bandage, adhesive tape, application, arbalest, arm immobilizer, arm sling.
How do you use "sling" in a sentence?
I'm putting my ass in a sling for you.
How do you pronounce "sling"?
Pronounced /ˈslɪŋ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English slynge (noun), slyngen (verb), probably from Old Norse slyngja, slyngva (“to hurl”), from Proto-Germanic *slingwaną (“to worm, twist”) or compare Old English slingan (“to wind, twist”), from the same source. Compare German schlingen (“to swing, wind, twist”), Danish and Norwegian slynge), from Proto-Indo-European *slenk- (“to turn, twist”) (compare Welsh llyngyr (“worms, maggots”), Lithuanian sliñkti (“to crawl like a snake”), Latvian slìkt (“to sink”)).
Etymology 2
From a shortening of spiderling.