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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
Usage rate is defined by the percentage of offensive possessions that a player ends with a field goal attempt, free throws or a turnover while on the floor.
—Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2024
Dallas had an 8-2 run, getting what proved to be the winning point when Ogunbowale made one of two free throws with 16.1 seconds left.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2024
Holmes followed with two free throws to push the lead to 68-63.
St. Frances coach Nick Myles was disappointed in the referee’s call.
—Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024
The Mavericks made critical free throws down the stretch and 16 of 17 overall (94.1%) compared to Minnesota’s 11 of 18.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for free throw
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free throw.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1891, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free throw
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