First recorded in 1945–50
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Room” shows how arduous it can be to assimilate the rules and mores of the free world after a lifetime of captivity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
"The soldiers who once called each other Redcoats and Yankees became the Tommies and the GIs who together saved the free world," he said.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
It used to be said the G7 was a kind of "steering committee" for the free world.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2025
Then came winter, with the Padres going into hibernation as the Dodgers signed most of the free world.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2025
“Since the Great Santini has the worst taste in the free world, this should be easy,” his wife said pleasantly.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
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.
