slingback

noun

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

Examples of slingback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sasha added one of this season's trendiest accessories—a wide belt—completing her outfit with gold earrings, a statement ring, and some studded slingback heels. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 18 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

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

Start with this sleek, minimalist Sofia European belt that cinches the waist and makes the tee tucked into the jeans look a bit more styled, and bring it all together with these Italian leather slingback pumps, which are just sharp enough to make a casual denim-and-tee combo look luxe. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

sling entry 2 + back entry 1

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for slingback

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