-
- 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
For Los Angeles this season, the 4-time All-Defensive selection averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting career highs of 47.1% from the field, 41.3% from 3-point range and 90.7% from the free throw line.
—Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2024
Carrington started all 33 games while shooting 41.2% from the field, 32.2% from 3-point range and 78.5% from the free throw line as the youngest player in the vaunted Atlantic Coast Conference.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2024
Storr, a 6-foot-7 transfer from the University of Wisconsin, was 0-for-1 from 3 and 1-of-1 from the free throw line.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024
Barry is a slasher who can get to the foul line and make his underhand free throws, just like his dad.
—Sean Gregory, TIME, 25 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for free throw
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 15 Jul. 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