slingshot

noun

sling·​shot ˈsliŋ-ˌshät How to pronounce slingshot (audio)
1
: a forked stick with an elastic band attached for shooting small stones
2
a
: a maneuver in auto racing in which a drafting car accelerates past the car in front by taking advantage of reserve power
b
: a dragster in which the driver sits behind the rear wheels

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Bass used a wrist rocket slingshot to damage the building’s windows, then used flammable liquid to set plywood lining the building on fire, resulting in an estimated $46,000 in damages, prosecutors said. oregonlive, 20 July 2021 But even in a solitary hideout, the mind still launched thoughts at itself like a slingshot. Jamie Kreiner, Time, 5 Jan. 2023 That observation rang true among so many drivers who thought that this German slingshot exemplified the potential—and promise—of the automobile’s electric future. Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2023 After a few tries, the slingshot accidentally rebounds and slams the golf ball right into her face. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 2 Feb. 2023 The hospitalization came after Kaiser ripped the top of her finger off and was later hit in the face with a high-velocity slingshot. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2023 Players use a slingshot to fire their birds over, under and through various obstacles to knock out squadrons of green pigs attempting to steal their eggs. Trefor Moss, WSJ, 20 Jan. 2023 Countering a slingshot with a howitzer, though, is insecurity rolled into holy contradiction. Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 Jan. 2023 Usually, engineers use loops around the planets as a kind of slingshot to speed spacecraft up. Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'slingshot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slingshot was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near slingshot

Cite this Entry

“Slingshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slingshot. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

slingshot

noun
sling·​shot ˈsliŋ-ˌshät How to pronounce slingshot (audio)
: a forked stick with an elastic band attached for shooting small stones

More from Merriam-Webster on slingshot

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