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sling 1 (slĭng)
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n.
1.
a. A weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a stone is whirled and then let fly.
b. A slingshot.
2. A looped rope, strap, or chain for supporting, cradling, or hoisting something, especially:
a. A band suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.
b. A length of fabric worn on the body for carrying an infant.
c. A strap of a shoe that fits over the heel.
d. A strap used to carry a rifle over the shoulder.
e. Nautical A rope or chain that attaches to the mast and supports a yard.
3. The act of hurling something.
tr.v. slung (slŭng), sling·ing, slings
1.
a. To hurl with a sling: sling stones.
b. To throw or fling: "He ripped out the fish guts and slung them to the gulls" (Donna Morrissey).
2.
a. To move by means of a sling; raise or lower in a sling: sling cargo into a hold.
b. To place in a hanging or supported position: sling a towel over one's shoulder.
Idiom:
slings and arrows
Difficulties or hardships.
[Middle English slinge.]
slinger n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 
sling 2 (slĭng)
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n.
A drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually lemon-flavored.
[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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