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

Timeless styles like Chanel cap toe slingbacks and Ferragamo slingbacks are seen on the young and older set alike, looking just as chic with a straight leg jean and blazer as with a boucle skirt suit. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2025

The Icon Trousers $69.50 Buy Now at nordstrom Every girl needs a pair of versatile bottoms, especially in the spring: when they can be paired with no shortage of footwear options (from retro-style sneakers for achieving sporty vibes at work to a slingback pump fit for date nights). —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 14 Mar. 2025

For a modern look, pair yours with a minimal but interesting style shoe, such as Proenza’s perforated leather slingback pumps, and a structured handbag. —Joy Montgomery, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025

Full crystal models offered by the historic brand also sparkled, like slingbacks, mary janes with Parisienne côté and boots, as well as flat ballerinas, kitten heels and stilettos. —Stephen Garner, WWD, 3 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