Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web

sling

 - 10 dictionary results

sling

1[sling] noun, verb, slung, sling⋅ing.
–noun
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.
a. a chain for supporting a hoisting yard.
b. slings, the area of a hoisting yard to which such chains are attached; the middle of a hoisting yard.
–verb (used with object)
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.

Origin:
1175–1225; (v.) ME slyngen < ON slyngva to sling, fling, c. OE slingan to wind, twist; (n.) ME, perh. deriv. of the v., though sense “strap, hoist” may be of distinct orig.


9. pitch, toss.

sling

2[sling]
–noun
an iced alcoholic drink, typically containing gin, water, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.

Origin:
1785–95, Americanism; of uncert. orig.

sling-back

[sling-bak]
–noun
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.
–adjective
2. having such a strap or sling: sling-back pumps.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To sling
sling 1   (slĭng)   
n.  
    1. A weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a stone is whirled and then let fly.

    2. A slingshot.

    3. A strap of a shoe that fits over the heel.

    4. A strap used to carry a rifle over the shoulder.

    5. Nautical A rope or chain that attaches to the mast and supports a yard.

    6. A band suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.

  1. A looped rope, strap, or chain for supporting, cradling, or hoisting something, especially:

    1. A strap of a shoe that fits over the heel.

    2. A strap used to carry a rifle over the shoulder.

    3. Nautical A rope or chain that attaches to the mast and supports a yard.

    4. A band suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.

  2. The act of hurling a missile.

tr.v.   slung (slŭng), sling·ing, slings
  1. To hurl with or as if with a sling.

  2. To place or carry in a sling.

  3. To move by means of a sling; raise or lower in a sling: sling cargo into a hold.

  4. To hang loosely or freely; let swing.


[Middle English slinge.]
sling'er n.
sling 2   (slĭng)   
n.  A drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually lemon-flavored.

[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: sling
Pronunciation: 'sli[ng]
Function: noun
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
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

sling (slĭng)
n.
A supporting bandage or suspensory device, especially a loop suspended from the neck and supporting the flexed forearm.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Bible Dictionary

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.

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Cite This Source
Idioms & Phrases

sling

In addition to the idioms beginning with sling, also see ass in a sling.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Encyclopedia

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.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see sling on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: