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

Courtney Williams had a steal at the other end, and Miles made 1 of 2 free throws for a four-point lead. — CBS News, 14 July 2026

Reese, who missed Saturday’s game against Portland, was seven for 11 from the field and made all eight of her free throws in 32 minutes. — Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Courtney Williams stole the subsequent inbounds pass, Miles made a free throw, and McBride grabbed a rebound of a last-gasp Phoenix attempt. — Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 14 July 2026

But Antetokounmpo’s late game scoring doesn’t measure up to more than a dozen other All Stars, mostly wing players, who shoot a much higher percentage on three-pointers and free throws. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 14 July 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