freeload

American  

[free-lohd, -lohd] / ˈfriˈloʊd, -ˌloʊd /

verb (used without object)

Informal.

1. to take advantage of others for free food, entertainment, etc.

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verb (used with object)

1. to get by freeloading.

   He freeloaded several meals a week.

freeload British  

/ ˈfriːˌləʊd /

verb

1. slang (intr) to act as a freeloader; sponge

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Other Word Forms

• freeloader noun

Etymology

Origin of freeload

1950–55, back formation from freeloader ( free + load + -er ¹ )

Example Sentences

Some users in Korea on social media have said cagonjok are also freeloading electricity.

From BBC

Answer: Unfortunately, the IRS doesn’t consider freeloading relatives as one of the hardships that can modify the home sales exclusion rules.

From Los Angeles Times

Netflix registered its third consecutive quarter of faster subscriber growth in the final three months of 2023, closing out a comeback year that included a crackdown on freeloading viewers and price hikes.

From Seattle Times

Online critics have decried “full-time children” as a euphemism for freeloading off one’s parents, which has traditionally been known by another name, kenlao — literally translated as “gnawing on the elderly.”

From Los Angeles Times

When Meredith returns home from work, she isn’t too pleased that Shahid is allowing Nami to freeload, but she consents for one night only.

From Los Angeles Times