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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
The Warriors shot just 32.4% from 23 and missed nine free throws.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024
On the year, the 6-foot-11 vet is averaging 8.5 points on 43.2 percent field goal shooting and 57.9 percent free throw shooting, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 0.6 blocks and 0.6 dimes across 28.4 minutes per game.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
But Ivica Zubac missed two free throws with 1:20 left, Amir Cofey missed a three-pointer and Powell had his shot blocked.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024
Mathurin took nine free throws in that quarter — his ability to get to the charity stripe has always been nearly elite.
—Tony East, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1891, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free throw
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