What does sling mean?
A sling is a simple object with a wide range of practical and historical uses. In its most familiar noun sense, it is a strap or band that supports an object or an injured arm, often by being worn over one shoulder or around the neck. In the phrase “arm in a sling,” it specifically refers to a support that holds a hurt or disabled arm immobile and close to the body. As a verb, sling means to throw or propel something forcefully, as in “sling a ball across the field,” though it can also mean to place or support something with a loop or strap. The word can additionally refer to an ancient weapon used to launch stones with a cord and flexible band. Across these senses, a sling is associated with carrying, securing, projecting, and—particularly in its weapon sense—striking from a distance. The word remains useful in modern English because it describes both everyday support and historical projectile technology with economical precision.
A strap, band, or loop used to carry, support, or secure an object.
"She carried her camera in a sling around her neck."
Also used for a support that holds an injured arm against the body.
A simple weapon consisting of a flexible band and cord used to launch a stone or other projectile.
"The soldier fired a stone from a sling."
This sense is relatively uncommon in modern everyday usage but is standard in historical and military contexts.
To throw or propel something forcefully.
"He slung the ball over the fence."
The action implied is forceful or swift rather than a careful underhand throw.
To place, hang, or support something using a strap, cord, or loop.
"She slung the hammock between the two trees."
Common in phrases such as “sling a bag over one's shoulder.”
The plural is used for multiple straps, supports, or sling weapons.
"The guide distributed several slings to the climbers."
From launching stones to carrying an injured arm, the sling is one of humanity's oldest tools for putting objects into motion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sling come from?
The word descends from Old English, with the noun represented by slinge and the verb by slingan. The noun originally referred to a strap or band, while the verb developed senses involving throwing, hurling, and placing something in a loop or support. The noun's weapon sense and the verb's sense of propelling an object are later specializations. Modern forms such as slinger, slingshot, and slingstone continue the same Germanic root.
Related word forms
How sling is actually used
The verb is common in both formal and informal contexts. The noun can denote a practical support device, an injured arm's support, or, more formally, a historical projectile weapon.