fling
see also: Fling
Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈflɪŋ/
Noun

fling (plural flings)

  1. An act of throwing, often violently.
  2. An act of moving the limbs or body with violent movements, especially in a dance.
    the fling of a horse
  3. An act or period of unrestrained indulgence.
    • When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure.
  4. A short casual sexual relationship.
    Synonyms: hookup
    I had a fling with a girl I met on holiday.
  5. (figuratively) An attempt, a try (as in "give it a fling").
  6. (obsolete) A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe or taunt.
    • c. 1732, Jonathan Swift, Epistle to a Lady
      I, who love to have a fling, / Both at senate house and king.
  7. A lively Scottish country dance.
    the Highland fling
  8. (obsolete) A trifling matter; an object of contempt.
    • England were but a fling / Save for the crooked stick and the grey goose wing.
Translations Translations Translations Translations Verb

fling (flings, present participle flinging; past and past participle flung)

  1. (intransitive, now, archaic) To move (oneself) abruptly or violently; to rush or dash.
    • a. 1645, John Milton, “L'Allegro”, in Poems of Mr. John Milton, […] , London: Printed by Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Moſely,  […], published 1645, OCLC 606951673 ↗:
      And crop-full, out of doors he flings.
    • 1748, Samuel Richardson, Clarissa, Letter 113:
      I see, sir, said I, I see what a man I am with. […] And away I flung, leaving him seemingly vexed, and in confusion.
    • I flung closer to his breast, / As sword that, after battle, flings to sheath.
  2. (transitive) To throw with violence or quick movement; to hurl.
    • 'Tis Fate that flings the dice: and, as she flings, / Of kings makes peasants, and of peasants kings.
    • 1713, Joseph Addison, Cato, published 1712, [Act 1, scene 1]:
      I know thy generous temper well. / Fling but the appearance of dishonour on it, / It straight takes fire.
  3. (intransitive, archaic) To throw; to wince; to flounce.
    • , Helen Crocket, The Ettrick Shepherd's Last Tale
      The horse flung most potently, making his heels fly aloft in the air.
  4. (intransitive, archaic) To utter abusive language; to sneer.
    The scold began to flout and fling.
Translations Translations
Fling
Proper noun
  1. Surname



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