free throw
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of free throw
First recorded in 1890–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Knicks coach Mike Brown, hardly a confrontationalist, wondered out loud about San Antonio’s 24-to-8 free throw advantage in the second half.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Brunson snatched up the ball, drew a foul and made a free throw.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
It’s OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Mitchell Robinson’s defense offsetting his free throw adventures.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
With 40.9 seconds left in the game, Marcus Smart scored, was fouled and made the free throw for a 110-109 Lakers lead.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
That made everyone laugh—except the Beast, who turned from the free throw line and walked calmly, with the ball, toward us.
From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
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.
