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.
He is known for his corner offense, which featured two big men at each side of the free throw line, an offense that would spread the floor and allow guards and wings to cut and flow to the corners. Jason Quick, New York Times, 2 June 2026 In the final two minutes, Salaün grabbed two crucial rebounds, hit two free throws, and knocked down a clutch jumper that gave Golden State a 87-84 lead. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Aces superstar A’ja Wilson had 21 points on 10-of-24 shooting but only shot one free throw, six below her season average. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026 The teams combined to make 29 free throws in the second quarter alone, the most in the second quarter of any NBA game since the bubble playoffs nearly six years ago. Tim Reynolds, Twin Cities, 27 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster