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

After Iribarne’s free throw, Beckman couldn’t knock down a 3, and Aliso allowed an easy bucket with five seconds left, then didn’t worry about putting the ball in play again. —Martin Henderson, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

Threes from Holiday and Camara, layups by Caleb Love and a succession of Grant free throws trimmed the deficit to 10 by the end of the quarter as the Celtics’ offense began to stagnate. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

Yes, there were a few on Sunday night that merited free throws. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026

Nick Boyd hit a three-pointer, made two free throws and added a layup to spark a 17-2 run that gave the Badgers a 58-46 lead with 12 minutes to play, but the Badgers made just four of 16 from the field the rest of the way. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 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