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

Her record-breaking free throw came 29 seconds into the second quarter. — CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

The Liberty star, who earned MVP honors of the women's FIBA World Cup, played only 22 minutes and made 10 of 14 shots and all seven of her free throws for the Liberty. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

The Americans shot 29 percent overall and a paltry eight percent on 3-pointers while missing eight free throws. — Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

The Dream failed to score on their ensuing possession and the Sky hit two free throws after an intentional foul. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free throw

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

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