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.
With 10 seconds remaining, UConn hit a free throw to cut the lead to 72-70. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 All Duke had to do was run a little clock, get fouled, knock down a free throw or two and hold strong. Zach Harper, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 That meant a free throw for Denver; Nnaji was rewarded for playing the enforcer. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026 Richard Hamilton poured in a game-high 27 points, and Khalid El-Amin had 12, including two clutch free throws with seconds to go. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026 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 1 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster