sling

/ˈsliŋ/

Middle English, probably from Old Norse slyngva to hurl; akin to Old English & Old High German slingan to worm, twist, Lithuanian slinkti

verb

  1. to cast with a sudden and usually sweeping or swirling motion

  2. to throw with or as if with a sling

  3. to serve (food) to a customer

slung the sack over my shoulder

throw cast toss fling hurl pitch sling mean to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force. throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm. cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

noun

  1. an instrument for throwing stones that usually consists of a short strap with strings fastened to its ends and is whirled round to discharge its missile by centrifugal force

  2. slingshot

  3. a usually looped line (as of strap, chain, or rope) used to hoist, lower, or carry something; especially : a hanging bandage suspended from the neck to support an arm or hand

verb

  1. to place in a sling for hoisting or lowering

  2. to suspend by or as if by a sling