freestyle
noun
free·style
ˈfrē-ˌstī(-ə)l 
often attributive
1
: a competition in which the contestant is given more latitude than in related events
especially
: a swimming competition in which the swimmer may use any stroke
2
freestyler
noun
Examples of freestyle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Pitchfork writer Alphonse Pierre’s rap column covers songs, mixtapes, albums, Instagram freestyles, memes, weird tweets, fashion trends—and anything else that catches his attention.
—
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2024
After winning the 20-kilometer freestyle in Falun, Sweden over the weekend, Diggins has officially clinched the World Cup Nordic skiing overall title.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2024
Snowbowl also offers two terrain parks for visitors interested in mastering their freestyle skills on a variety of jumps, rails and other custom features.
—The Arizona Republic, 3 Feb. 2024
Signed to indie Big Ligas and distributed by Warner, Londra, with a sweet, distinctive voice and look that contrasted with his freestyle rhymes, was an immediate sensation whose music was able to cross over from Argentina to the world.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2024
The sophomore's 100 butterfly time has dipped under one minute, and a 50 freestyle that was over 30 seconds last year is now 22 seconds in relay races.
—Zac Bellman, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2024
Many independent hairstylists gain a huge social following based on their in-demand ability to create and execute viral hairstyles like boho braids, freestyle cornrows, and traditional sew-ins that look great in clients’ vacation photos.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024
Swimmer Katie Ledecky Breaks Michael Phelps’ Record for World Titles with 16th Gold Medal
Then in February, 17-year-old Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh beat Ledecky in the 800-meter freestyle, becoming the first person to do so since 2010, NBC Sports reported.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024
The athlete also clinched silver and bronze in the 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke events, respectively.
—Paras Jan, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2024
After winning the 20-kilometer freestyle in Falun, Sweden over the weekend, Diggins has officially clinched the World Cup Nordic skiing overall title.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 18 Mar. 2024
Snowbowl also offers two terrain parks for visitors interested in mastering their freestyle skills on a variety of jumps, rails and other custom features.
—The Arizona Republic, 3 Feb. 2024
Signed to indie Big Ligas and distributed by Warner, Londra, with a sweet, distinctive voice and look that contrasted with his freestyle rhymes, was an immediate sensation whose music was able to cross over from Argentina to the world.
—Leila Cobo, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2024
The sophomore's 100 butterfly time has dipped under one minute, and a 50 freestyle that was over 30 seconds last year is now 22 seconds in relay races.
—Zac Bellman, Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2024
Many independent hairstylists gain a huge social following based on their in-demand ability to create and execute viral hairstyles like boho braids, freestyle cornrows, and traditional sew-ins that look great in clients’ vacation photos.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 6 Mar. 2024
Swimmer Katie Ledecky Breaks Michael Phelps’ Record for World Titles with 16th Gold Medal
Then in February, 17-year-old Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh beat Ledecky in the 800-meter freestyle, becoming the first person to do so since 2010, NBC Sports reported.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024
The athlete also clinched silver and bronze in the 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke events, respectively.
—Paras Jan, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'freestyle.' 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
1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near freestyle
Cite this Entry
“Freestyle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freestyle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
freestyle
noun
free·style
-ˌstīl
: a competition (as a swimming race) in which the competitors are not restricted to a certain way of performing
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