free fall

noun

1
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion
2
a
: the part of a parachute jump before the parachute opens
b
: a rapid and continuing drop or decline
a free fall in stock prices
free-fall intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.
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.
Milwaukee is in free fall — four games out of the Play-In, with injuries across the board to key players. David Aldridge, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 But the Huskies came back to win in overtime and the Friars have been in a free fall ever since. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026 The film, about a country western star in free fall, is set to star Powell and Cristin Milioti. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026 But those days feel like a distant memory for a team in an all-out free fall to start the new calendar year. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free fall

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of free fall was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun
ˈfrē-ˈfȯl
: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion

More from Merriam-Webster on free fall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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