verb
sling
SLIHNG
verb
1
To throw something with a swinging or arcing motion.
"He slung his bag over his shoulder and headed out the door."
2
(slang) To sell or distribute something, often illicitly.
"The dealer was slinging drugs on the corner most nights."
noun
1
A supportive strap or bandage that holds an injured arm against the body.
"His arm was in a sling for six weeks after the fall."
2
A loop of fabric worn around the body to carry a baby.
"She carried the baby in a sling while she cooked dinner."
3
A strap attached to a rifle or bag for carrying it over the shoulder.
"He adjusted the rifle sling before the hike."
How to Use Sling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo throw something in a swinging motion, or a supportive strap/loop worn on the body — for an injured arm, a baby, or a bag.
Common pairings
arm in a sling
baby sling
sling a bag over your shoulder
Word Forms
slung past tense, slang past tense, slings plural, slings plural, slings singular
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Etymology
From Old Norse slyngva, "to hurl," related to a Germanic root meaning "to wind, twist" — the same idea behind German schlingen.