free agent

noun

: a professional athlete (such as a baseball player) who is free to negotiate a contract with any team
free agency noun

Examples of free agent 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.
Phillips, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, could command a mid-round pick. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025 Skubal doesn't become a free agent until after the 2026 season, meaning the Tigers have a year to sign him to a long-term deal. Christian Romo, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025 In Nashville, the arrival of Steven Stamkos and two other marquee free agents two summers ago actually made the Predators (2-2-1) significantly worse. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025 Adding in modest arbitration projections, San Diego should end up at around $190 million entering free agency, giving them a good $20 million or so to re-sign free agents. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for free agent

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free agent was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Free agent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20agent. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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