free throw

noun

, Basketball.

1. foul shot.

free throw

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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of free throw¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

At halftime, the Raptors were shooting 59 percent from the field, 57 percent from three and 80 percent from the free throw line.

From Washington Post

Turgeon saw some positives — better rebounding and free throw shooting, for instance — but the stakes of each remaining game continue to increase and any lapses will only become more costly.

From Washington Post

Gillespie made both free throws, and the Hoyas trailed by nine with 22 seconds remaining.

From Washington Post

LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges began grinning and trading laughs on the sidelines and at the free throw line midway through the second quarter, comfortable and unburdened.

From Washington Post

Ayala made all nine of his free throw attempts, and he finished 6 for 11 from the field.

From Washington Post

Playing basketball with a bunch of kids got real embarrassing, real fast: Obama stands at the free-throw line, cameras rolling.

From The Daily Beast

One LBJ free throw and one errant Thabo Sefolosha pass later, and suddenly the Thunder were on the ropes.

From The Daily Beast

The statistics: 27 free throw attempts in the quarter for the Lakers, against nine for the Kings.

From The Daily Beast

Judith couldn't see what had happened, but evidently there had been a foul, for Catherine had a free throw.

From Project Gutenberg

In case of a foul, a 15 foot line measured from the pin in the circle is used as a free throw line.

From Project Gutenberg

The Purple Five player missed the free throw, while the Cubs again scored.

From Project Gutenberg

Violation of a rule constitutes a foul and gives the opponents a free throw for the basket from a point fifteen feet away.

From Project Gutenberg

In a free throw the guard is not allowed to interfere with the ball hitting the pin.

From Project Gutenberg