free throw

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. foul shot.

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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)

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Etymology

Origin of free throw

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

As Luka Doncic’s scoring total crept up with each step-back three, free throw or fadeaway shot, the cheers grew louder, coming from every corner from fans dressed in every color.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Reaves said he did pull off a similar feat this summer in a pick-up style, five-minute game when he collected his own missed free throw and hit a reverse layup to tie it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

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

A penalty kick is like a free throw in basketball, only better, because the coach picks the player who takes it.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor