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

Swinton’s Seoul pair also followed Lily-Rose Depp’s pale blue Chanel cap-toe slingbacks at the 2026 Met Gala earlier this month. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 26 May 2026

Wear with: Pumps, loafers, slingbacks, sneakers Skirts don't always have to lean casual. —Vanessa Powell, InStyle, 24 May 2026

These pants, an essential in the contemporary woman’s wardrobe, help quietly reaffirm their power of the elegantly pointed slingback shoes and allow room to freely play with the rest of your accessories. —Paulina Berges, Glamour, 21 May 2026

Thanks to the slingback strap, your feet won’t be slipping on and off on the go, while the square-toe design leaves optimal breathing room for your feet. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 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