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

Among the innovative novelties, Andrew is launching a micro-kitten heel on slingbacks and even ballerinas. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 25 Feb. 2025

Fey wore a monochromatic burgundy look with a long-sleeve ribbed turtleneck, sequined pencil skirt, and slingback pumps. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025

Gomez paired the look with white slingback heels and a few rings, including her 8-carat engagement ring. —Lori A Bashian Fox News, Fox News, 15 Feb. 2025

Score wide-calf boots, cool-kid slingbacks, and all the other shoes on your radar for 30% off at Dolce Vita’s Cyber Monday event. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Dec. 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

Rhymes for slingback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback