A slingshot is a Y-shaped tool that uses stretched rubber bands or elastic to launch small projectiles like stones or marbles. You hold the two arms of the Y in one hand, pull back the pouch holding your ammunition with the other, and release. The elastic snaps forward, sending the projectile flying at impressive speed.

The basic design is ancient: people have been using slings and similar devices for thousands of years. The modern slingshot with rubber bands became popular in the late 1800s after vulcanized rubber was invented. In the famous Bible story, young David used a sling (a simpler version made with cords instead of elastic) to defeat the giant Goliath with a single well-aimed stone.

Today, slingshots appear often in stories about resourceful kids and adventure. Dennis the Menace carries one in his back pocket. Bart Simpson uses one for mischief. While they can be fun toys, they're also powerful enough to cause injury, so they should be handled responsibly.

The word also describes a maneuver in space travel where a spacecraft uses a planet's gravity to increase its speed and change direction, slingshotting around the planet like a stone whipping around before release.