slingback

1 of 2

noun (1)

sling·​back ˈsliŋ-ˌbak 

plural slingbacks

1

: a strap on a shoe that loops around the back of the ankle leaving the heel exposed

a pump with a slingback

a slingback strap

2

: a shoe with a slingback

Selling out twice since launching late-summer, the sparkly slingbacks have become ubiquitous among influencers and fashion heads alike, thanks to their designer look and pocket-friendly price.

—Daisy Lester

Paired with a sleek slingback [=pair of slingbacks] and peplum top, they'll accompany you perfectly to a dinner out on the town.

—Brooke Frischer

—often used before another noun

a slingback style/silhouette

I added a large multicolored pin to hold the scarf and pewter … slingback heels.

—Tammy Duos, quoted in The Advocate (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

She bought beige slingback pumps with a pink thread running through them, a beige skirt, a crisp pink cotton shirt and pink trench, and it fits with other pieces already in her closet.

—Wendy Navratil

sling pump

2 of 2

noun (2)

variants or sling-back pump or less commonly sling

plural -s

: a woman's shoe with a sling across the back and usually an open toe

Examples of slingback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Like the model in the Paris show, Obama wore the skirt with a thin belt, chocolate brown T-shirt and slingback pumps. — Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 17 June 2026

Other attendees opted for satin slingbacks, River Island white slingbacks and Chanel styles for the event. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 17 June 2026

The Italian luxury footwear brand doesn’t currently offer the style on its website, but the Ascent is now available in a strappy sandal and pointed-toe slingback design in a variety of colors and materials. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 5 June 2026

Aldo’s Droplet slingback style is perfect as a nighttime shoe look aboard the ship, or for days with lighter sightseeing schedules. — Cassie Gill, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

sling entry 2 + back entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for slingback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback