freewheel

1 of 2

noun

free·​wheel ˈfrē-ˈ(h)wēl How to pronounce freewheel (audio)
: a clutch fitted in the rear hub of a bicycle that permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped

freewheel

2 of 2

verb

freewheeled; freewheeling; freewheels

intransitive verb

1
: to roll along freely independent of a gear
2
: to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly
freewheeler noun

Examples of freewheel 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.
Noun
On the other side, the spokes meet the axle slightly off-center, while the gears (and the freewheel that allows them to rotate freely in only one direction) take up the space between there and the frame. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 Nov. 2018
Verb
This artificiality of style helps convey the feeling of a wanton, freewheeling adult fairy tale. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Dec. 2024 Their crisp rendering builds upon Denver’s version, creating an open-hearted, freewheeling take on this timeless ode to the picturesque mountains of Colorado. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for freewheel 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of freewheel was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near freewheel

Cite this Entry

“Freewheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freewheel. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

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