freestyle

noun

free·​style ˈfrē-ˌstī(-ə)l How to pronounce freestyle (audio)
often attributive
1
: a competition in which the contestant is given more latitude than in related events
especially : a swimming competition in which the swimmer may use any stroke
2
freestyler noun

Examples of freestyle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Later, in the Nineties, DJs began incorporating freestyle records flown in from Miami, amping the music with offbeat electronic influences. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 Montoya wants to play out of the back with possession rather than using a more freestyle approach of clearing the ball up the field to escape danger. Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 Events will include racing, freestyle and two-wheel skills. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 Following this, the teenage swimming sensation also won his first individual gold in the 100m freestyle event on February 15. Paras Jan, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 In the fall, Perez won gold in both freestyle and Greco-Roman for Team USA at the U15 Pan American Championships in Panama City, Panama. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Only five men have broken the 47-second barrier in 100m freestyle history. Andrew McNicol, CNN, 11 Feb. 2024 On the last day, Wiffen doubled down on the gold in the longest race of the pool, 1500m freestyle. Paras Jan, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The individual champions are determined on Wednesday in the pursuit-style event that features the classic ski with interval starts in the morning, and the freestyle pursuit in the afternoon. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'freestyle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of freestyle was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near freestyle

Cite this Entry

“Freestyle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freestyle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

freestyle

noun
free·​style -ˌstīl How to pronounce freestyle (audio)
: a competition (as a swimming race) in which the competitors are not restricted to a certain way of performing

More from Merriam-Webster on freestyle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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