Definition

1. Noun:

   • A supporting bandage: A device, typically a wide piece of cloth suspended from the neck, used to support and immobilize an injured arm or shoulder.
   • A simple weapon: A primitive weapon consisting of a strap or pouch with cords, used to hurl a projectile like a stone by whirling it and releasing one cord.
   • A type of footwear: A shoe or sandal characterized by a strap that passes around the back of the heel.
   • A child's toy: A Y-shaped stick with an elastic band attached to its prongs, used to launch small stones or pellets.
   • A type of drink: A mixed alcoholic drink, typically a highball made with liquor, water, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.

2. Verb:

   • To carry or support in a sling: To hold, carry, or suspend something using a sling.
   • To move or swing forcefully: To throw, hurl, or fling something with a sweeping or vigorous motion.
   • To hang loosely: To suspend or allow something to hang or swing freely.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • After breaking his arm, he wore a sling for six weeks.
  • David used a sling to defeat Goliath.
  • She bought a pair of comfortable leather slings for the summer.
  • The children made a sling from a forked stick and a rubber band.
  • He ordered a gin sling at the bar.

• Verb:

  • The workers will sling the heavy crate onto the truck.
  • She slung her bag over her shoulder and left.
  • The hammock was slung between two palm trees.

Advanced Usage

• "To sling mud": To make malicious or slanderous accusations.
  • The political campaign devolved into candidates slinging mud at each other.
• "To sling hash" (informal): To work as a waiter or waitress, especially in a diner.
  • He's been slinging hash at the local café to pay for college.

Variants and Related Words

• Slinger (n): A person who uses a sling, especially as a weapon.
• Slingback (n): A type of shoe with a strap around the back of the heel. (Note: This is a compound word, listed here as a variant).
• Sling chair: A chair with a seat made of canvas or similar material suspended from a frame.

Synonyms

• Verb (to throw): Hurl, fling, toss, cast, catapult.
• Noun (bandage): Support, brace.
• Noun (weapon): Catapult (historical).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Sling out (informal): To throw something out; to eject someone forcefully.
  • We need to sling out all this old junk from the garage.
  • The bouncer slung out the unruly patron.
• Sling off (Australian/NZ informal): To mock or ridicule.
  • The comedians were slinging off at each other throughout the show.

Related Idioms

• Have one's arm in a sling: To have an injured arm supported by a sling.
  • He won't be playing tennis; he's got his arm in a sling.
• Sling your hook! (British slang): Go away! Leave!
  • He was causing trouble, so I told him to sling his hook.

Noun

1. bandage to support an injured forearm; consisting of a wide triangular piece of cloth hanging from around the neck
2. a simple weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a projectile is whirled and then released
3. a shoe that has a strap that wraps around the heel
4. a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
5. a highball with liquor and water with sugar and lemon or lime juice

Verb

1. hold or carry in a sling
   • he cannot button his shirt with his slinged arm
2. move with a sling
   • sling the cargo onto the ship
3. hang loosely or freely; let swing
4. hurl as if with a sling