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

Watts let the outré dress do most of the talking, finishing her look with a pair of white pointy-toe slingbacks. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025

Keep scrolling to shop more cropped jackets, breezy skirts, tote bags, and slingback loafers inspired by Naomi Watts now. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Styled by Brie Welch, Holmes completed her look with mouse stockings and slingbacks, also from Burch, and carried a Savette bag in pink suede. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025

But slingback kitten heels check all the boxes for work: easy to walk in, able to elevate any outfit, interesting enough to avoid anonymity. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2025

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