freewheel

American  

[free-hweel, -weel] / ˈfriˈʰwil, -ˈwil /

noun

1. a device in the transmission of a motor vehicle that automatically disengages the drive shaft whenever it begins to turn more rapidly than the engine.

2. a form of rear bicycle wheel that has a device freeing it from the driving mechanism, as when the pedals are stopped in coasting.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of a vehicle or its operator) to coast with the wheels disengaged from the driving mechanism.

2. to move or function freely, independently, unconcernedly, or the like (often followed by about, through, around, etc.).

   The two friends freewheeled around the country after graduation.

freewheel British  

/ ˌfriːˈwiːl /

noun

1. a ratchet device in the rear hub of a bicycle wheel that permits the wheel to rotate freely while the pedals are stationary

2. a device in the transmission of some vehicles that automatically disengages the drive shaft when it rotates more rapidly than the engine shaft, so that the drive shaft can turn freely

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verb

1. (intr) to coast in a vehicle or on a bicycle using the freewheel

Etymology

Origin of freewheel

First recorded in 1895–1900; free + wheel

Example Sentences

He’s a master of both Andersonian acting styles: the freewheeling scamp and the scoundrel who speaks with a sniper’s precision.

From Los Angeles Times

All hands on deck for the freewheeling, free-scoring French, the ultimate test in northern hemisphere rugby - if they can manage to get out of their tiny dressing room, that is.

From BBC

Marks jumped at the chance to perform for free inside the theater, his brassy freewheeling equally complementing and contrasting the sounds of the intersection.

From Los Angeles Times

He once sneaked home a copy of Zane Grey’s classic Western, “Riders of the Purple Sage,” and envisioned his future as a type of freewheeling cowboy.

From The Wall Street Journal

But while her bubbly persona may at first make her seem simply freewheeling and free-spirited, she’s also savvy and thoughtful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cruise
• drift
• sail
• skate