flings; flung
ˈflʌŋ 
; flinging
; flinging
1
: to throw or push (something) in a sudden and forceful way
He flung his shoe across the room.
She flung the door open and stormed into the room.
fling open a window
They flung their hats into the air.
—often used figurativelyThey were flinging abuse at each other. [=they were angrily shouting insults at each other]
They flung him into prison. [=put him in prison]
The crowd was flung into confusion. [=the crowd suddenly became very confused]
2
: to forcefully move (yourself or a part of your body) in a specified way
She flung herself into his arms.
He flung his arms around her.
I flung back my head and laughed.
He leaned back and flung his leg over the arm of the chair.
She flung herself onto the couch.
plural flings
1
: a brief sexual relationship
She had a fling with her boss.
2
: a short period of time spent doing enjoyable and exciting things
They had time for one last fling before going back to school.
Cite this Entry
“Fling.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fling. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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