Catapult vs. Slingshot — What's the Difference?

A catapult is a ballistic device used to launch a projectile a great distance without the aid of gunpowder or other propellants – particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. A catapult uses the sudden release of stored potential energy to propel its payload.

A slingshot is a small hand-powered projectile weapon. The classic form consists of a Y-shaped frame held in the non-dominant hand, with two natural-rubber strips or tubes attached to the upper two ends.

Any of various military machines used for hurling missiles, such as large stones or spears, in ancient and medieval times.

A Y-shaped stick or frame having an elastic strap attached to the prongs, used for flinging small projectiles.

A mechanism for launching aircraft at a speed sufficient for flight, as from the deck of a carrier.

A Y-shaped stick with an elastic sling between the arms used for shooting small projectiles.

A slingshot.

(pinball) A stationary, often triangular object that launches any ball that hits its longest side back at a high force, now usually located above the flipper and between it and the inlane, with one each for both lower flippers.

To hurl or launch from a catapult.

A sling bikini.

To hurl or launch by means other than a catapult

Exercise equipment (powerlifting) An implement of a broad fabric worn around and connecting both bicipites brachii to support benching the most heavy weights.

To bring suddenly into prominence

To move or cause to move in a manner resembling a projectile shot from a slingshot.

To be catapulted or hurled

(especially) To use the gravity of a moving planet to add momentum to a spacecraft.

To jump or spring

A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones

A device or weapon for throwing or launching large objects.

A mechanical aid on aircraft carriers designed to help airplanes take off from the flight deck.

(UK) A slingshot.

An instance of firing a missile from a catapult.

(figuratively) An instance of firing something, as if from a catapult.

(transitive) To fire a missile from a catapult.

(transitive) To fire or launch something, as if from a catapult.

(transitive) To increase the status of something rapidly.

(intransitive) To be fired from a catapult or as if from a catapult.

(intransitive) To have one's status increased rapidly.

An engine somewhat resembling a massive crossbow, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for throwing stones, arrows, spears, etc.

A forked stick with elastic band for throwing small stones, etc.

A plaything consisting of a Y-shaped stick with elastic between the arms; used to propel small stones

A device that launches aircraft from a warship

Medieval artillery used during sieges; a heavy war engine for hurling large stones and other missiles

Shoot forth or launch, as if from a catapult;

Hurl as if with a sling