Strap vs. Sling: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 23, 2024
A strap is a flat, narrow piece of material used for securing or carrying items, while a sling is a looped piece of fabric or strap used to support or carry loads, often over the shoulder.
Key Differences
A strap is typically a flat, narrow piece of material like leather, fabric, or plastic, used for binding, fastening, or carrying objects. Straps are commonly found on bags, watches, and as securing mechanisms for various items. On the other hand, a sling is a type of strap or looped fabric used to support or carry loads, often worn over the shoulder or around the body. Slings are used for carrying babies, as medical supports for injured limbs, and for lifting heavy objects.
Straps are versatile and come in various designs to suit different purposes, such as adjustable straps on backpacks or non-adjustable ones on luggage. Slings, however, are designed specifically for carrying or supporting and often include features to evenly distribute weight and provide comfort to the user.
The functionality of a strap often includes tightening or loosening to secure an item, whereas a sling is generally used for supporting and carrying without much adjustment. Straps are seen in everyday items like belts and wristwatch bands, whereas slings are more specialized, such as in medical slings for arm support or baby slings for carrying infants.
Materials used for straps can vary widely, including leather, nylon, and rubber, tailored to their specific use cases. Slings are usually made from strong, flexible fabrics like cotton or polyester, designed to comfortably support weight.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Flat, narrow piece for securing/carrying
Looped fabric/strap for supporting/carrying
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Common Uses
Bags, watches, securing items
Carrying babies, medical supports, lifting
Design
Adjustable or fixed
Often looped, over shoulder/body
Functionality
Binding, fastening, adjusting
Supporting, distributing weight
Materials
Leather, fabric, plastic, nylon
Strong fabrics like cotton, polyester
Strap and Sling Definitions
Strap
A long narrow strip of pliant material such as leather.
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Sling
A method for lifting heavy objects.
The workers used a sling to hoist the machinery.
Strap
Such a strip equipped with a buckle or similar fastener for binding or securing objects.
Sling
A weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a stone is whirled and then let fly.
Strap
A thin flat metal or plastic band used for fastening or clamping objects together or into position.
Sling
A slingshot.
Strap
A narrow band formed into a loop for grasping with the hand.
Sling
A band suspended from the neck to support an injured arm or hand.
Strap
A razor strop.
Sling
A length of fabric worn on the body for carrying an infant.
Strap
A strip of leather used in flogging.
Sling
A strap of a shoe that fits over the heel.
Strap
To fasten or secure with a strap.
Sling
A strap used to carry a rifle over the shoulder.
Strap
To beat with a strap.
Sling
(Nautical) A rope or chain that attaches to the mast and supports a yard.
Strap
To sharpen (a razor, for example).
Sling
The act of hurling something.
Strap
A long, narrow, pliable strip of leather, cloth, or the like.
Sling
A drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually lemon-flavored.
Strap
A strap worn on the shoulder.
Sling
To hurl with a sling
Sling stones.
Strap
A strip of thick leather used in flogging.
Sling
To throw or fling
"He ripped out the fish guts and slung them to the gulls" (Donna Morrissey).
Strap
Something made of such a strip, or of a part of one, or a combination of two or more for a particular use.
Sling
To move by means of a sling; raise or lower in a sling
Sling cargo into a hold.
Strap
A piece of leather, or strip of wood covered with a suitable material, used to hone the sharpened edge of a razor; a strop.
Sling
To place in a hanging or supported position
Sling a towel over one's shoulder.
Strap
A narrow strip of anything, as of iron or brass.
Sling
To throw with a circular or arcing motion.
Strap
A band, plate, or loop of metal for clasping and holding timbers or parts of a machine.
Sling
To throw with a sling.
Strap
(nautical) A piece of rope or metal passing around a block and used for fastening it to anything.
Sling
(nautical) To pass a rope around (a cask, gun, etc.) preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.
Strap
(botany) The flat part of the corolla in ligulate florets, as those of the white circle in the daisy.
Sling
(slang) To sell, peddle, or distribute (often illicitly, e.g. drugs, sex, etc.).
Strap
(botany) The leaf, exclusive of its sheath, in some grasses.
Sling
(weapon) An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other.
Strap
(slang) A gun, normally a personal firearm such as a pistol or machine pistol.
Sling
A kind of hanging bandage put around the neck, in which a wounded arm or hand is supported.
Strap
Credit offered to a customer, especially for alcoholic drink.
Sling
A loop of cloth, worn around the neck, for supporting a baby or other such load.
Strap
(journalism) strapline
Sling
A loop of rope, or a rope or chain with hooks, for suspending a barrel, bale, or other heavy object, in hoisting or lowering.
Strap
A championship belt, or by extension, the title.
Sling
A strap attached to a firearm, for suspending it from the shoulder.
Strap
(finance) An investment strategy involving simultaneous trade with one put and two call options on the same security at the same strike price, similar to but more bullish than a straddle.
Sling
A band of rope or iron for securing a yard to a mast.
Strap
(transitive) To beat or chastise with a strap; to whip, to lash.
Sling
The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
Strap
(transitive) To fasten or bind with a strap.
Sling
(climbing) A loop of rope or fabric tape used for various purposes: e.g. as part of a runner, or providing extra protection when abseiling or belaying.
Strap
(transitive) To sharpen by rubbing on a strap; to strop.
To strap a razor
Sling
A drink composed of a spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
Gin sling
A Singapore sling
Strap
A long, narrow, pliable strip of leather, cloth, or the like; specifically, a strip of thick leather used in flogging.
A lively cobbler that . . . had scarce passed a day without giving her [his wife] the discipline of the strap.
Sling
A young or infant spider, such as one raised in captivity.
Strap
Something made of such a strip, or of a part of one, or a combination of two or more for a particular use; as, a boot strap, shawl strap, stirrup strap.
Sling
An instrument for throwing stones or other missiles, consisting of a short strap with two strings fastened to its ends, or with a string fastened to one end and a light stick to the other. The missile being lodged in a hole in the strap, the ends of the string are taken in the hand, and the whole whirled rapidly round until, by loosing one end, the missile is let fly with centrifugal force.
Strap
A piece of leather, or strip of wood covered with a suitable material, for sharpening a razor; a strop.
Sling
The act or motion of hurling as with a sling; a throw; figuratively, a stroke.
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
At one slingOf thy victorius arm, well-pleasing Son.
Strap
A narrow strip of anything, as of iron or brass.
Sling
A contrivance for sustaining anything by suspension
Strap
A band, plate, or loop of metal for clasping and holding timbers or parts of a machine.
Sling
A drink composed of spirit (usually gin) and water sweetened.
Strap
The flat part of the corolla in ligulate florets, as those of the white circle in the daisy.
Sling
To throw with a sling.
Strap
A piece of rope or metal passing around a block and used for fastening it to anything.
Sling
To throw; to hurl; to cast.
Strap
A shoulder strap. See under Shoulder.
Sling
To hang so as to swing; as, to sling a pack.
Strap
To beat or chastise with a strap.
Sling
To pass a rope round, as a cask, gun, etc., preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.
Strap
To fasten or bind with a strap.
Sling
A highball with liquor and water with sugar and lemon or lime juice
Strap
To sharpen by rubbing on a strap, or strop; as, to strap a razor.
Sling
A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones
Strap
An elongated leather strip (or or strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
Sling
A shoe that has a strap that wraps around the heel
Strap
Hanger consisting of a loop of leather suspended from the ceiling of a bus or train; passengers hold onto it
Sling
A simple weapon consisting of a looped strap in which a projectile is whirled and then released
Strap
A band that goes over the shoulder and supports a garment or bag
Sling
Bandage to support an injured forearm; consisting of a wide triangular piece of cloth hanging from around the neck
Strap
Whip consisting of a strip of leather used in flogging
Sling
Hurl as if with a sling
Strap
Tie with a strap
Sling
A looped piece of fabric for carrying loads over the shoulder.
She carried her baby in a sling.
Strap
Beat severely with a whip or rod;
The teacher often flogged the students
The children were severely trounced
Sling
A support device for injured limbs.
The doctor put his arm in a sling.
Strap
Sharpen with a strap;
Strap a razor
Sling
A flexible band for shooting stones or arrows.
He used a sling to hunt small game.
Strap
Secure (a sprained joint) with a strap
Sling
A medical device to support broken bones.
The sling helped stabilize her fractured arm.
Strap
A flat, narrow piece of material used for fastening or carrying items.
The strap on her handbag broke.
Strap
An adjustable band on backpacks or luggage.
He tightened the strap on his backpack.
Strap
A securing mechanism for watches or belts.
The watch strap was made of leather.
Strap
A strip of material used in various equipment.
The camera strap was comfortable to wear.
Strap
A component in sports gear for support.
The helmet strap ensures a snug fit.
FAQs
What is a sling?
A sling is a looped piece of fabric or strap used to support or carry loads, often over the shoulder.
What is a strap?
A strap is a flat, narrow piece of material used for fastening or carrying items.
Where are slings commonly used?
Slings are used for carrying babies, as medical supports for injured limbs, and for lifting heavy objects.
What materials are slings made from?
Slings are usually made from strong, flexible fabrics like cotton or polyester.
What materials are straps made from?
Straps can be made from leather, fabric, plastic, nylon, and other materials.
Are slings adjustable?
Slings are generally designed to distribute weight evenly and may not be adjustable.
What is the primary function of a strap?
The primary function of a strap is to bind, fasten, or carry items.
Can straps be used in sports gear?
Yes, straps are used in sports gear for support, such as helmet straps.
Can a strap be part of clothing?
Yes, straps can be part of clothing, like in dresses or bras.
Can a strap be adjustable?
Yes, straps can be adjustable, like those on backpacks or luggage.
Are slings used for lifting heavy objects?
Yes, slings are used to lift heavy objects safely and effectively.
Where are straps commonly used?
Straps are commonly used on bags, watches, and as securing mechanisms for various items.
What is an example of a sling in everyday use?
An example of a sling in everyday use is a baby sling for carrying infants.
Do slings have special features?
Slings often include features to evenly distribute weight and provide comfort.
What is the primary function of a sling?
The primary function of a sling is to support or carry loads, often over the shoulder.
Are slings used in the medical field?
Yes, slings are used to support injured limbs in the medical field.
Is a strap generally fixed or flexible?
Straps can be both fixed or adjustable, depending on their use.
Is a sling designed for specific purposes?
Yes, slings are designed for specific purposes like carrying, supporting, and lifting.
What is an example of a strap in everyday use?
An example of a strap in everyday use is a belt or a wristwatch band.
Do straps come in different designs?
Yes, straps come in various designs to suit different purposes.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
