free throw
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
If not, then maybe the free throw shots won’t go in.
From Barron's ● Jun. 18, 2026
A free throw from Mikal Bridges and Anunoby either side of Dylan Harper's two missed attempts for the Spurs sealed a memorable victory for the Knicks.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
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
When the visitors shoot a free throw on most every court in the country, the fans make a lot of noise, screaming and stomping their feet.
From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
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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.