First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1fling
verb \ˈfliŋ\
: to throw or push (something) in a sudden and forceful way
: to forcefully move (yourself or a part of your body) in a specified way
flung \ˈfləŋ\ fling·ing \ˈfliŋ-iŋ\
Full Definition of FLING
intransitive verb
1
: to move in a brusque or headlong manner <flung out of the room in a rage>
2
of an animal : to kick or plunge vigorously
3
Scottish : caper
transitive verb
1
a : to throw forcefully, impetuously, or casually <flung herself down on the sofa> <clothes were flung on the floor> b : to cast as if by throwing <flung off all restraint>
2
: to place or send suddenly and unceremoniously <was arrested and flung into prison>
3
: to give unrestrainedly <flung himself into music>
— fling·er \ˈfliŋ-ər\ noun
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Origin of FLING
Middle English, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flengja to whip
Related to FLING
Synonym Discussion of FLING
throw, cast, toss, fling, hurl, pitch, sling mean to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force. throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm <can throw a fastball and a curve>. cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering <cast it to the winds>. toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion <tossed the coat on the bed>. fling stresses a violent throwing <flung the ring back in his face>. hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight <hurled himself at the intruder>. pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target <pitch horseshoes>. sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim <slung the bag over his shoulder>.
2fling
noun
: a brief sexual relationship
: a short period of time spent doing enjoyable and exciting things
Full Definition of FLING
1
: an act or instance of flinging
2
a : a casual try or involvement b : a casual or brief love affair
3
: a period devoted to self-indulgence
See fling defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FLING
1556
FLING Defined for Kids
1fling
verb \ˈfliŋ\
flung \ˈfləŋ\fling·ing
Definition of FLING for Kids
1
: to throw hard or without care <She flung the junk out the window.>
2
: to move forcefully <He flung his arms around her.>
2fling
noun
Definition of FLING for Kids
1
: an act of throwing hard or without care
2
: a time of freedom for pleasure <The trip was our last fling of the summer.>
3
: a brief try <“… you and I are going to have one more fling at finding that last ticket.” — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory>
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