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

Adidas created a custom pair of white pointy-toe Samba slingbacks for the star, complete with an ankle strap, kitten heel, and red stripes. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 14 July 2025

Daisy Edgar-Jones beat the heat in a relaxed take on Wimbledon whites, taking in the tennis tournament in a button-down Gucci top and skirt with baby blue pinstripes, plus a simple pearl collar, the Gucci 1947 Raffia bag, kitten-heel slingbacks, and sunglasses. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 14 July 2025

The royal added further to her look, wearing a pair of slingback ballerina flats courtesy of Gianvito Rossi and accessorized with a pair of sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, a favorite designer of the royal. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 July 2025

Along with her statement-making dress, Queen Letizia wore a pair of soft brown patent leather slingback pumps courtesy of Magrit. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 2 July 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