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

Skechers Reggae Slim-Stretch Flex Hands-Free Sandal More than 200 shoppers have added these strappy slingback sandals to their carts in the past month. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 1 June 2025

The run of shoes also included loafers in a variety of styles, from embroidered to velvet and suede, as well as slingback heels, stiletto pumps with a pointed toe, and espadrille sneakers. —Fn Staff, Footwear News, 28 May 2025

And yes, perhaps putting Bella Hadid and comfortable heels in the same sentence sounds like a new paradox in her style, the truth is that these Maje slingbacks are probably about to sell out. —Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 25 May 2025

Always one to lean a bit eclectic with her styling, the actor paired her jacket with a white tee, ankle-length eggshell slip skirt with delicate lace trim, and black St. Agni slingback sandals. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

sling entry 2 + back entry 1

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing slingback

• slingback heels
• slingback pumps

Rhymes for slingback

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