freestanding
Americanadjective
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(of sculpture or architectural elements) unattached to a supporting unit or background; standing alone.
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not affiliated with others of its kind; independent; autonomous.
a freestanding clinic, not connected with any hospital.
adjective
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standing apart; not attached to or supported by another object
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(in systemic grammar) denoting a clause that can stand alone as a sentence; denoting or being a main clause Compare bound 1
Etymology
Origin of freestanding
Explanation
Freestanding things are unattached or separate from any other structure or support. A freestanding garage isn't connected to a house — it's a separate building. Some houses, like row houses or townhouses, are connected to the house next door, sharing a common wall. Freestanding houses, on the other hand, are completely detached, with space between each. You can also use the adjective freestanding more figuratively, to describe something that isn't reliant or connected: "It's a freestanding literary club — it's completely separate from and independent of the school."
Vocabulary lists containing freestanding
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Using a freestanding fan for a 24-hour period typically costs between 15p and 31p, according to the latest guidance from the Energy Saving Trust, external.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
In Herrera, the court argued that clemency was the appropriate avenue for freestanding innocence claims, despite the extreme arbitrariness of pardon decisions.
From Slate ● May 29, 2026
Primary baths feature slabs of marble behind a freestanding tub, radiant floor heating, and a glass-enclosed rain shower with a built-in bench.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 30, 2026
“I’m giving away a Huffy basketball freestanding hoop because it’s just taking up space. We used to play horse and shoot baskets together. My son is now 35, he doesn’t live here anymore.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 22, 2026
Framed art hung from the walls and was displayed on freestanding easels.
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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.
