sling

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Contents

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Probably from Old Norse slyngja, slyngva (“to hurl”), from Proto-Germanic *slingwanan (“to worm, twist”) (compare Old English slingan (“to wind, twist”), German schlingen (“to swing, wind, twist”), Danish slynge), from Proto-Indo-European *slenk (“to turn, twist”) (compare Welsh llyngyr (“worms, maggots”), Lithuanian sliñkti (“to crawl like a snake”), Latvian slìkt (“to sink”)).

Pronunciation[edit]

Verb[edit]

sling (third-person singular simple present slings, present participle slinging, simple past slung or slang, past participle slung)

  1. To throw with a circular or arcing motion.

Derived terms[edit]

Translations[edit]

to throw

Noun[edit]

A diagram of how to put on a sling (sense 2)

sling (plural slings)

  1. (weapon) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
    • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 43:
      The Sling is also a weapon of great antiquity, formerly in high estimation among the ancients.
  2. A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
  3. A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby.
  4. A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
  5. A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
  6. (Nautical) A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast; -- chiefly in the plural.
  7. The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
    • 1600, William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act III, Scene I, line 55:
      To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them.
  8. (climbing) A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
  9. A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
    gin sling
    a Singapore sling

Translations[edit]

instrument for throwing
bandage
rope or chain arrangement
strap attached to a firearm
rope or iron securing a yard to a mast
the act of hurling as with a sling
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Translations to be checked

Anagrams[edit]

External links[edit]

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