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

Examples of slingshot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The video also appeared to show two slingshots, which can be used to hurl stones, being found at one property. — Reuters, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 Activists say Israeli authorities do little to stop attacks that involve weapons ranging from slingshots to guns. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 Activists say Israeli authorities do little to stop attacks that involve weapons including slingshots and guns. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 While Levine was on the ground, the video showed the masked men throwing stones and firing slingshots at Palestinians, who then responded by throwing stones themselves. — Dov Lieber, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slingshot

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slingshot was in 1849

Rhymes for slingshot

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Browse Nearby Words

slings and arrows
slingshot
slingsman
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Cite this Entry

“Slingshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slingshot. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slingshot

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