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

All of this led to the Cavaliers dominating the possession game, as Cleveland took 10 more field-goal attempts and 18 more free throws than Miami. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2025

Charlotte missed nine free throws (11 of 20) on the night, including missing eight in the second half, and what felt like nearly every attempt late in the action. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2025

Mizzou escaped the first half with the lead after Anthony Robinson II was fouled, making two free throws with three seconds left. —Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025

Denver staged a 10-2 run to take an 83-74 lead when Murray made a free throw after Monk was called for a technical foul. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025

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