noun, verb, slung, sling⋅ing.| 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. | a slingshot. |
| 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. |
| 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.
|
| 9. | to throw, cast, or hurl; fling, as from the hand. |
| 10. | to place in or secure with a sling to raise or lower. |
| 11. | to raise, lower, etc., by such means. |
| 12. | to hang by a sling or place so as to swing loosely: to sling a rifle over one's shoulder. |
| 13. | to suspend: to sling a hammock between two trees. |
| 14. | sling hash, Slang. to work as a waiter or waitress, esp. at a lunch counter or cheap restaurant. |

| 1. | Also called sling. a woman's shoe with an open back and a strap or sling encircling the heel of the foot to keep the shoe secure. |
| 2. | having such a strap or sling: sling-back pumps. |
sling (slĭng)
n.
A supporting bandage or suspensory device, especially a loop suspended from the neck and supporting the flexed forearm.
Sling
With a sling and a stone David smote the Philistine giant (1 Sam. 17:40, 49). There were 700 Benjamites who were so skilled in its use that with the left hand they "could sling stones at a hair breadth, and not miss" (Judg. 20:16; 1 Chr. 12:2). It was used by the Israelites in war (2 Kings 3:25). (See ARMS.) The words in Prov. 26:8, "As he that bindeth a stone in a sling," etc. (Authorized Version), should rather, as in the Revised Version, be "As a bag of gems in a heap of stones," etc.
sling
implement for propelling missiles, one of the first missile weapons used in warfare. It consisted of a small strap or socket of leather to which two cords were attached. The warrior, or slinger, held the ends of the cords in one hand, placed the missile snugly in the strap, and whirled the socket and missile rapidly around his head; by letting go of one cord at the right moment, the slinger could let the missile fly out of the socket at a high speed. In another type, the sling was attached to a short staff that was held in both hands; it was used for heavier missiles, especially in siege operations during the European Middle Ages.
Learn more about sling with a free trial on Britannica.com.