freehand

1 of 2

adjective

free·​hand ˈfrē-ˌhand 

: done without mechanical aids or devices

freehand drawing

freehand adverb

free hand

2 of 2

noun

ˈfrē-ˈhand 

: freedom of action or decision

Synonyms of freehand

Noun

• authorization
• latitude
• freedom
• control

Examples of freehand in a Sentence

Adjective

She took a course in freehand drawing.

Noun

gave him free hand in managing the club

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

On set, 19-year-old artist Chella Man felt right at home in the second floor bathroom painted by Keith Haring; both Haring and Chella use a fluid, often abstract yet heavily emotive, freehand style to express themselves. — Sean Bennett, Teen Vogue, 21 June 2018

Noun

Although his official writ covers only civilian affairs and not military policy, Netanyahu gave him a completely free hand, and Smotrich has used it to full effect. — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

The free hands-on workshop is designed to show small business owners how artificial intelligence can help with marketing. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1841, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for freehand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

freehand

1 of 2 adjective

free·​hand ˈfrē-ˌhand 

: done without mechanical aids or devices

freehand drawing

freehand adverb

free hand

2 of 2 noun

: freedom to act or decide