free throw

noun

: an unhindered shot in basketball made from behind a set line and awarded because of a foul by an opponent

Examples of free throw in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
McNeeley canceled out three free throws from Malik Mack with his second 3-pointer of the half and Reed gave UConn its first lead around the six-minute mark, finishing strong through contact on a second-chance attempt. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2025 When Gillespie sank two free throws with 7:21 remaining, Richardson took center stage. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025 The Aggies elicited fouls instead of rejections and made 11 more free throws than the Aztecs – and won by eight. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 Eventually, Wiggins got to the line with 45.4 seconds to play in regulation on a three-shot foul, converting all three free throws to close scoring in regulation in a 107-107 tie, with Adebayo off on a jumper just before the regulation buzzer. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free throw

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free throw was in 1891

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

free throw

noun
: a basketball shot worth one point that must be made from behind a specific line and is given because of a foul by an opponent

More from Merriam-Webster on free throw

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