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.
Jackson’s three-point play extended the Sparks’ advantage to 49-34 with 2:54 left in the first half, then Hamby’s 10-point run of a fast-break layup, a 3-pointer, a pair of free throws and then her buzzer-beating 3-pointer made it 59-34 at halftime. John W. Davis, Oc Register, 16 July 2025 Clark sank her first field goal since the second quarter to open up a five-point lead for Indiana, then hit a pair of free throws to put Connecticut down by three scores. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 16 July 2025 Thomas went on to hit one of two free throws to give the Mercury a 78-77 win. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 15 July 2025 With a free throw in the third quarter, Jones became the 50th member of Texas’ 1,000-Point Club. Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 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 29 Jul. 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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