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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The amount of free throws that New York, Washington and Atlanta took, attempted, and made — and the disparity in attempts. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026 After a timeout with 11 seconds remaining, Phoenix forward DeWanna Bonner blocked a layup attempt by Courtney Vandersloot and then sank two free throws at the other end for a four-point lead. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Howard scored on a putback to make it 102-98, and after Clark missed a pair of 3-pointers and Mitchell one, Miles burst around Mitchell, scored on a reverse layup and made the ensuing free throw. — Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 2 Aug. 2026 Jordin Canada ran the offense with nine assists and went eight-of-eight shooting from the free throw line. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free throw

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free throw was in 1891

Rhymes for free throw

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Browse Nearby Words

free thought
free throw
free throw lane
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Cite this Entry

“Free throw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20throw. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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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

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