free fall

noun

1
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion
2
a
: the part of a parachute jump before the parachute opens
b
: a rapid and continuing drop or decline
a free fall in stock prices
free-fall intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.
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.
In the months leading up to Sampson’s death in 2022, the technician had flagged safety issues with the 400-foot drop free fall ride to his superiors at ICON Park, according to the lawsuit filed in Orange County on March 19. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025 Skydive Arizona said at the time that eyewitness accounts indicated the free fall phase of Wick’s skydive appeared normal, with the parachute deploying as expected. Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2025 The coordinators One of the most distressing signs the Eagles were in free fall mode last season with no way out came when Sirianni made former Lions coach Matt Patricia the defensive play-caller and essentially stripped defensive coordinator Sean Desai of any true responsibility. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 When Detroit was in free fall, Obama intervened to bail out the auto industry, deciding a great American city needed help. Alec MacGillis, ProPublica, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free fall

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of free fall was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun
ˈfrē-ˈfȯl
: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion

More from Merriam-Webster on free fall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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