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

Corrin paired the revealing red carpet look with sheer nylon tights and patent leather slingback pumps adorned with colored stone in resin. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Expect trendy shoes from Good American like a denim pointed-toe slingback or even a ballet flat in crocodile, largely treated with their propriety On Cloud sole designed for comfort. —Mikelle Street, Them, 26 Nov. 2024

Knightley paired the dress with gold and black slingback heels and opted for minimal jewelry for her talk show appearance. —Julia Teti, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024

And for the shoe lover, classics like the Jordaan loafer or Signoria slingback pump deliver iconic elegance. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024

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