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.
Kansas also missed three crucial free throws over the final five minutes. Lindsay Schnell, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 Monk made both free throws to tie the game and McCollum missed a floater as time expired, sending the game to overtime. Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 14 Feb. 2025 Tatum was on the verge of a triple-double by the end of the third quarter (28-11-7) but missed three late free throws that would have padded Boston’s lead. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 His 11 free throws were the most ever by a player in their Warriors debut, while his 13 attempts were second to only Wilt Chamberlain’s 15 in his NBA debut with the Philadelphia Warriors on Oct. 24, 1959. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 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

Dictionary Entries Near free throw

Cite this Entry

“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 21 Feb. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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