free throw

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. foul shot.

---

free throw British  

noun

1. basketball an unimpeded shot at the basket from the free-throw line given for a technical fault (one free shot) or a foul (two free shots)

---

Etymology

Origin of free throw

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

He made his first free throw with 5.2 seconds remaining.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2026

After Dent missed a free throw with 51 seconds left, Teng hit a three-pointer in the corner to cut the Bruins’ lead to two.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

In the end, there was no stopping Bakersfield Christian junior center Taiwo Daramola, who scored 28 points, including a basket and free throw that put his team up 58-57 with 43 seconds left.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

He missed one free throw on the night, which prevented perfection.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

“Shooting a free throw is the easiest thing in the world,” he said as we walked over to the court in the trailer park where I’d first met Annie.

From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman