free ball

American  

[free bawl] / ˈfri ˈbɔl /

noun

1. a ball that is in play and is not in the possession of or under the control of any player.

2. Volleyball. a ball that is returned over the net with a bump or pass rather than a spike.

3. a penalty shot in snooker in which the player may choose any ball as their target, or the ball chosen for this shot.

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verb (used without object)

Slang: Vulgar.

1. to wear pants, shorts, a skirt, etc., with no underwear: originally in reference to a person's testicles not being secured by an undergarment.

2. to attempt or execute a task without preparation, guidance, etc.; improvise.

   I didn't stick too close to the deck plans, I'm kind of just freeballing and taking ideas from other builds.

   I have no idea what to write, so I'll just free ball for a few paragraphs.

verb (used with object)

Slang: Vulgar.

1. to attempt or execute (a task) without preparation, guidance, etc.; improvise.

   I wish I was creative enough to freeball my own LEGO designs.

   The elevator was broken, so we had to free ball getting the desk down three flights of narrow stairs.

Etymology

Origin of free ball

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

"You can't give any team free ball," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

In the 50th, Neto beat Lockyer in a foot race to a free ball, cut in on his left and shot it past Thomas Kaminski.

From Washington Times • Sep. 23, 2023

A tense finish saw Trump make a 58 but then foul and leave a free ball with Day chasing snookers.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2023

In the Thailand rout, Horan scored her ninth international goal by pounding a free ball from close range into the roof of the net for a 3-0 halftime lead in Reims.

From Washington Post • Jun. 15, 2019

A moment later, Jeremiah chased down a free ball and, attempting to clear it, blasted it into a Valiants’ midsection with unexpected force.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John