free fall

noun

Synonyms of free fallnext
1
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion
2
a
: the part of a parachute jump before the parachute opens
b
: a rapid and continuing drop or decline
a free fall in stock prices
free-fall intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stokesbury said the climber's descent was a long slide down the steep snow slope rather than a straight free fall, with the terrain gradually becoming less steep farther down the mountain. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 Her cousin died when the second quake struck seconds later and the wall collapsed —seven floors in free fall. Sarah Moreno july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 The Braves’ summer malaise is getting close to a free fall after yet another loss, this one at the hands of the visiting Cardinals at Truist Park on Tuesday. Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 1 July 2026 Authorities noted that minor details changed as David repeated his account of the incident but eventually determined Bernadette’s 1,200-foot free fall to be an accident. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for free fall

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of free fall was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun
ˈfrē-ˈfȯl
: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion

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