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.
Antetokounmpo is like a machine that keeps churning out excellence by getting to the free throw line a ton, finishing strong at the rim and getting out in transition. Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Chicago shot well from the field (49.2%) and from the 3-point line (47.4%) but missed 11 free throws and turned the ball over 17 times en route to the loss. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 An object just flew in as the free throw is being made. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Jones grabbed two boards off the offensive glass, one that led to a bucket in the opening minute of the fourth and another two minutes later that got her to the free throw line. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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