sling

UK: /ˈslɪŋ/ US: /slɪŋ/ ,(sling)

Inflections of 'sling' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

slings

v 3rd person singular

slinging

v pres p

slung

v past

slung

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sling¹ /slɪŋ/   n., v., slung/slʌŋ/  sling•ing. 
n. [countable]

1. a device for hurling a stone, etc., by hand, usually a strap with a string at each end that is whirled around in a circle to gain speed before releasing the rock or stone.
2. a slingshot.
3. a strap or band forming a loop by which something is suspended or carried, such as a bandage for an injured arm:
   They put a plaster cast on his broken arm and wrapped a sling around it.

v. [~ + object]

4. to throw or hurl;
   fling:
   slung a rock at him.
5. to hang by a sling or place so as to swing loosely:
   He slung his jacket on the coat-rack hook.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sling¹  (sling), n., v., slung, sling•ing. 
n. 

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. Medicine 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. Clothing sling-back.
6. an act or instance of slinging.
7. Nautical, Naval Terms a rope, chain, net, etc., for hoisting freight or for holding it while being hoisted.
8. Nautical, Naval Terms
   • a chain for supporting a hoisting yard.
   • slings, the area of a hoisting yard to which such chains are attached;
     the middle of a hoisting yard.

v.t. 

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.

• Old Norse slyngva to sling, fling, cognate with Old English slingan to wind, twist; (noun, nominal) Middle English, perh. derivative of the verb, verbal, though sense "strap, hoist'' may be of distinct origin, originally
• (verb, verbal) Middle English slyngen 1175–1225

Synonyms

• 9. pitch, toss.

sling²  (sling), n. 

1. Wine an iced alcoholic drink, typically containing gin, water, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.

• of uncertain origin, originally 1785–95, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

sling / slɪŋ/ noun

1. a simple weapon consisting of a loop of leather, etc, in which a stone is whirled and then let fly
2. a rope or strap by which something may be secured or lifted
3. a wide piece of cloth suspended from the neck for supporting an injured hand or arm across the front of the body
4. a loop or band attached to an object for carrying
5. a loop of rope or tape used for support in belays, abseils, etc
6. the act of slinging

verb (slings, slinging, slung)

1. (transitive) to hurl with or as if with a sling
2. to attach a sling or slings to (a load, etc)
3. (transitive) to carry or hang loosely from or as if from a sling: to sling washing from the line
4. to throw

Etymology: 13th Century: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse slyngva to hurl, Old High German slingan

sling / slɪŋ/ noun

1. a mixed drink with a spirit base, usually sweetened

Etymology: 19th Century: of uncertain origin