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

ˈfrē-ˌfȯl 

intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier experiments found ways to give atoms a brief period of free fall. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

As Bloomberg reports, those prospects are in free fall as the chaos takes hold. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Nov. 2026

Support for the country’s long-time ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), is in free fall. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Nov. 2026

Participants step or jump off a platform more than 40 feet above the ground, experiencing a brief moment of free fall before the rope system catches them and slowly lowers them to the ground. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for free fall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun

ˈfrē-ˈfȯl

: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun

-ˌfȯl 

: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field

also : such motion