# sling

/ˈsɫɪŋ/ (US) · /slˈɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sling
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a piece of cloth or a strap used to support something heavy or broken. You might use one to hold a broken arm or to carry a heavy bag over your shoulder.

For teachers: a flexible strap or bandage used to support, carry, or lift a weight. Often refers to a triangular bandage looped around the neck to support an injured arm.

## Examples

- He had to wear a sling for six weeks after his surgery.
- The workers used a heavy-duty nylon sling to lift the engine block out of the car.
- In medical emergencies, a simple triangular bandage can be fashioned into a temporary sling to immobilise a fractured limb until professional help arrives.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verb 'to wear' when referring to medical support.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.