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slingshot

/ˌslɪŋˈʃɑt/
/ˈslɪŋʃɒt/
IPA guide

Other forms: slingshots

A slingshot is a small toy or weapon that you can use for "shooting" stones. You might take aim at some old metal cans on a wall, knocking them off one by one with your slingshot.

A slingshot works like a small catapult, with rubber strips holding a pocket where the stone or other projectile sits. When you pull the pocket back and release it, the stone is projected forward. Slingshots are simple in design, but they're relatively modern inventions that rely on rubber, which was invented in 1839. The earliest use of slingshots was mainly by young troublemakers. The ammunition in a slingshot is sometimes referred to as a sling-stone.

Definitions of slingshot
  1. noun
    a plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
    synonyms: catapult, sling
    see moresee less
    type of:
    plaything, toy
    an artifact designed to be played with
Pronunciation
US
/ˌslɪŋˈʃɑt/
UK
/ˈslɪŋʃɒt/
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