rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryslingSupporting strap
noun

sling

SLING/slˈɪŋ/

A flexible strap or pouch that supports a load.

A cloth sling hangs from her neck and supports her forearm.

A young adult woman wears a simple cloth arm sling, clearly showing the fabric supporting her bent forearm and hanging from her neck.
Etymology
slyngvaOld Norseto sling; hurl

The exact continental Germanic source is unidentified, but the noun first named a strap-based stone-throwing weapon. Its later sense of a loop for carrying things led to the hanging cloth support for an injured arm.

In context

Training Aid Australia0:19
the first sling to be demonstrated is the arm sling it is for wrist and forearm injuries hold the triangle bandage with the longest length vertical
First Aid Tutorial: How to correctly sling an arm | Training Aid Australia Sydney

More examples

  • He carries the baby in a sling against his chest.
  • Workers secure the steel beam with slings before lifting it.
  • The rifle's sling rests comfortably on her shoulder.

Forms

sling · slings

Similar words

strap
A narrow band, not necessarily arranged to cradle a load.
harness
A system of straps rather than a single supporting loop.
carrier
A broader term that includes rigid containers and supporting frames.