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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The games industry is in free fall, with massive layoffs hitting on a near weekly basis. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 Modi: Vikings -4 The Jaguars are in free fall, and, despite the final score showing a one-score loss, they were thoroughly dominated by the Eagles last week. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 His essays from that time describe the strange and necessary intimacies that develop among the inhabitants of nations in free fall. Alexis Okeowo, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024 The pandemic briefly sent airline valuations into a free fall. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near free fall

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

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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