-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
free throw
noun
: an unhindered shot in basketball made from behind a set line and awarded because of a foul by an opponent
Examples of free throw in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And computer analytics crunched over an 82-game season that insist the most efficient shots are 3s, layups and free throws — and not back-to-the-basket, pound-it-inside, muscle-it-up 2s.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
But Turner made both free throws to give the Pacers a four-point lead with 17.1 seconds left.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
Clark made the first of two free throws before missing the second.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024
Green hit the game-sealing free throw with 3.9 seconds, finishing with 21 points, 11 assists and a season-high six steals in the Warriors’ 117-113 victory.
—Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 31 Mar. 2024
Fox made both free throws to give the Kings a 108-107 lead, setting up a chance for the Magic to win it with 21.2 seconds left.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2024
On the season the Razorbacks rank second nationally in free throws made per game (19.9) and attempted (26.5).
—Bob Holt, arkansasonline.com, 13 Mar. 2024
Ranson hit two free throws with 4.1 seconds left in last week’s regional final to give the Cougars a 73-71 win over Billings.
—Joseph D’hippolito, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024
Johnny Furphy made one free throw to seal the game.
—Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free throw.' 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
1891, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to free throw
Dictionary Entries Near free throw
Cite this Entry
“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Kids Definition
free throw
noun
: a basketball shot worth one point that must be made from behind a specific line and is given because of a foul by an opponent
More from Merriam-Webster on free throw
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free throw
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share