freewheel

1 of 2

noun

free·​wheel ˈfrē-ˈ(h)wēl 

: a clutch fitted in the rear hub of a bicycle that permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped

freewheel

2 of 2

verb

freewheeled; freewheeling; freewheels

intransitive verb

1

: to roll along freely independent of a gear

2

: to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly

freewheeler noun

Examples of freewheel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Fortunately, freewheels are still being made by most major manufacturers, so replacing the one that's on there shouldn't be a problem. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

Through a backpedal motion, the freewheel on the Utility S2 shift from one chain tension to another, high gear or low. —Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Verb

Buoyed by Indian-leaning instrumentation, and a haunting beat-switching production, the Argentine rapper explores themes of life, death and ambition in his freewheeling verse. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 28 Feb. 2026

In the wake of the performer’s collaboration with comedian Kevin Hart on a freewheeling highlights show carried by Peacock throughout the 2021 Tokyo Games, Solomon sought to give Snoop a more hands-on role in the City of Light. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1899, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for freewheel

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• foveal