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.
Shey Peddy drained a three to bring the score to 101-98, but the Fever’s immense efforts fell short as Young and Wilson sunk six free throws between them in the final 20 seconds to close out the series and advance to the Finals. Frank Nunns O'Connell, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 The seven-time All-Star shot 50% from the field, a career-high 42% from three-point range and 85% percent from the free throw line. Russell Lewis, NPR, 21 Sep. 2025 Commanders long snapper Tyler Ott likens a snap to free throws. Greg Rosenstein, NBC news, 20 Sep. 2025 Offensively, the Valkyries ranked top five in rebounds per game (35.3), three-pointers made (427), and free throw percentage (81.5). Jenn Nelson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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

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