freehand

American  

[free-hand] / ˈfriˌhænd /

adjective

1. drawn or executed by hand without guiding instruments, measurements, or other aids.

   a freehand map.

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adverb

1. in a freehand manner.

   to draw freehand.

Etymology

Origin of freehand

First recorded in 1860–65; free + hand

Example Sentences

The Times had to compensate for ambiguities and apparent data entry errors, often by taking into account freehand notes on a permit that painted a clearer picture of the project.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

What if you lose GPS-assisted ground lock and/or the ground-sensing radar, requiring you to freehand the landing?

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

The second element is your artist, who’s either freehand drawing the information or using a hybrid.

From Slate • May 1, 2024

Lead conservator Dr Lucía López-Polín pieced over 200 bits of skull together freehand to return it to its original shape, including upper and lower jaws.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2024

She was holding a candle, and she bent over and spoke quietly, holding Lyra still with her freehand.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman