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free throw

noun
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Definition of free throw

: 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 Already down 30-15, Arizona got a fast break layup from freshman Josh Green, who was fouled and connected on the free throw. — Michelle Gardner, azcentral, "Arizona storms past ASU in Pac-12 men's basketball opener," 4 Jan. 2020 Mavericks guard Seth Curry, Stephen’s younger brother, hit the ensuing free throw. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors’ Marquese Chriss fined $35,000 for shoving Mavericks’ Luka Doncic," 30 Dec. 2019 Cowan made the first free throw and missed the second intentionally for the win. — chicagotribune.com, "Illinois squanders a 15-point lead and a chance for a huge road win in a 59-58 loss at No. 3 Maryland," 7 Dec. 2019 Moore converted the free throw and proceeded to knock down back-to-back 3-pointers on Xavier's next two trips down the floor for a 10-0 run all by himself. — Adam Baum, Cincinnati.com, "What we learned: Paul Scruggs sparks Xavier's best performance this season in a win over Towson," 22 Nov. 2019 This feels like a one-basket type of contest that could be decided by free throws. — Marcus Mosher, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and best bets," 28 Oct. 2019 Pritchard with 16 of Oregon’s last 18. -- Payton Pritchard adds two free throws, 81-74. — oregonlive, "Rewinding Oregon Ducks basketball’s 84-78 win over Texas Southern," 22 Dec. 2019 Two John Mooney free throws extended the Irish lead to five, 59-54, with 3:42 left. — Tom Noie, Indianapolis Star, "Notre Dame comeback bid comes up short vs. IU in Crossroads Classic," 21 Dec. 2019 Voliva connected on 5 of 7 field goals and 3 of 4 free throws, and Yazmeen Goo and Safiyyah Yasin each chipped in 11 points. — Anchorage Daily News, "Rebounding, defense boost UAA women to victory in low-scoring game," 20 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'free throw.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of free throw

1891, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for free throw

Time Traveler

The first known use of free throw was in 1891

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Statistics for free throw

Last Updated

9 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Free throw.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 21 January 2020.

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More Definitions for free throw

free throw

noun

English Language Learners Definition of free throw

: a basketball shot worth one point that must be made from behind a special line and that is given because of a foul by an opponent

See the full definition for free throw in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on free throw

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with free throw

Spanish Central: Translation of free throw

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free throw

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