¹sling

transitive verb \ˈsliŋ\

slung \ˈsləŋ\ sling·ing \ˈsliŋ-iŋ\

Definition of SLING

: to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion <slung the sack over my shoulder>

: to throw with or as if with a sling <slinging punches> <political campaigners slinging mud>

: to serve (food) to a customer <had a job slinging hamburgers>

— sling·er \ˈsliŋ-ər\ noun

Origin of SLING

Middle English, probably from Old Norse slyngva to hurl; akin to Old English & Old High German slingan to worm, twist, Lithuanian slinkti

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of SLING

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>.

Rhymes with SLING

bring, Ching, cling, ding, fling, king, ling, Ming, ping, ring, sing, spring, sting, string, swing, thing, wing, wring, zing

²sling

noun

Definition of SLING

a : an instrument for throwing stones that usually consists of a short strap with strings fastened to its ends and is whirled round to discharge its missile by centrifugal force

b : slingshot 1

a : a usually looped line (as of strap, chain, or rope) used to hoist, lower, or carry something; especially : a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand

b : a chain or rope attached to a lower yard at the middle and passing around a mast near the masthead to support a yard

c : a chain hooked at the bow and stern of a boat for lowering or hoisting

d : a device (as a rope net) for enclosing material to be hoisted by a tackle or crane

: a slinging or hurling of or as if of a missile

First Known Use of SLING

14th century

³sling

transitive verb

slung \ˈsləŋ\ sling·ing \ˈsliŋ-iŋ\

Definition of SLING

: to place in a sling for hoisting or lowering

: to suspend by or as if by a sling

First Known Use of SLING

1522

⁴sling

noun

Definition of SLING

: an alcoholic drink that is served hot or cold and that usually consists of liquor, sugar, lemon juice, and plain or carbonated water <gin sling> <rum sling>