free throw

noun

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

It was directed at James, of course, after the star missed a free throw. — Jordan Guskey, Indianapolis Star, "Lance Stephenson: The best and worst of his Indiana Pacers career," 25 June 2018 Austin Braun made a free throw to put Catholic Central ahead by two points with 13 seconds left in regulation. — Brandon Folsom, Detroit Free Press, "Carlos Johnson's game-winner gives Benton Harbor Class B title in OT," 24 Mar. 2018 The 6-foot-7 senior guard’s 39 points, 14 rebounds and 14 made free throws were individual postseason records at Boise State. — Rachel Roberts, idahostatesman, "Boise State basketball season provided ‘big highs’ and ‘heartbreakers’ | Idaho Statesman," 14 Mar. 2018 After a Benson drive that also got him a free throw for a three-point play, Vernon blocked a shot that ignited a Lever 3-point play. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Grand Canyon basketball runs out of magic late in quest to reach NCAA Tournament," 10 Mar. 2018 Rosenberg came up big again with a driving layup and a free throw that boosted Simsbury’s lead back to 40-35, but Chelsea Tacey’s 3-pointer with 1:08 left cut it to 40-38. — Lori Riley, courant.com, "Girls Basketball: Simsbury Holds Off Glastonbury In Class LL," 1 Mar. 2018 Unable to penetrate the lane, Howard took only two shots, missed both from long range, and also missed all three of his free throws. — John Kekis, The Seattle Times, "Mann scores 22, No. 22 Florida State beats Syracuse 80-62," 5 Feb. 2019 His field goal percentage fell from 53 percent to 46 percent, his free throws from .706 to .632 and his three-point shooting from .362 to .282. — Scott Ostler, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors’ ‘babysitter’ Andre Iguodala is earning his keep," 7 June 2018 Martin finished first or tied for first on the team in scoring, field-goal attempts (15.4 per game), assists (2.7 per game), turnovers (2.4 per game), and made and attempted free throws. — Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Towson basketball standouts Zane Martin, Justin Gorham (Calvert Hall) to transfer," 21 May 2018

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.