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 you step on the court with players like Kobe Bryant or six foot eight point guards who can dunk from the free throw line, your mind begins to concentrate on your other options.
From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore
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.
