First recorded in 1945–50
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The soldiers who once called each other Redcoats and Yankees became the Tommies and the GIs who together saved the free world," he said.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
It is in the interest of the free world, including the U.S., that India become better able to defend itself against Chinese depredation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026
The Dalai Lama has said previously that his successor would be born in the "free world" outside China.
From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025
On the one hand, it heralded an era of American leadership of the free world.
From Slate • May 12, 2025
And with my money, I have more courage to step out into this new free world.
From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
