free-range

American  

[free-reynj] / ˈfriˌreɪndʒ /

adjective

1. (of livestock and domestic poultry) permitted to graze or forage for grain, etc., rather than being confined to a feedlot or a small enclosure.

   a free-range pig.

2. of, relating to, or produced by free-range animals.

   free-range eggs.

3. Informal. noting or relating to a style of child rearing in which parents allow their children to move about without constant adult supervision: free-range parents.

   free-range kids;

   free-range parents.

---

free-range British  

adjective

1. kept or produced in natural nonintensive conditions

   free-range hens

   free-range eggs

---

Etymology

Origin of free-range

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

free-range

The report also said free-range egg production should be discouraged in affected areas, and that there should be periodic potato testing in contaminated places too.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

Silver Diner, which has locations across the Mid-Atlantic states, offers a free-range turkey platter with rosemary-sage gravy and ginger cranberry-orange sauce on its kids’ menu.

From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026

Sales of specialty eggs, which include free-range, pasture-raised and other premium varieties, were down 12%, as lower selling prices were partially offset by higher volumes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 1, 2026

The lower egg prices led people to buy more specialty eggs, which includes the premium varieties of cage-free, organic, brown, free-range, pasture-raised and nutritionally enhanced eggs.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 1, 2026

When there is not only a chicken, but an organic, free-range chicken, in every pot, the traditional economic appeal to the working class can sound off-key.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times