free·wheel
ˈfrē-ˈ(h)wēl 
: a clutch fitted in the rear hub of a bicycle that permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped
freewheeled; freewheeling; freewheels
1
: to roll along freely independent of a gear
2
: to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly
freewheeler
noun
Examples of freewheel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Through a backpedal motion, the freewheel on the Utility S2 shift from one chain tension to another, high gear or low.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Stephen Daw, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
Imagine a world where early social networks were run by large corporations rather than freewheeling startups.
—Scott D. Anthony, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for freewheel
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Noun
Fortunately, freewheels are still being made by most major manufacturers, so replacing the one that's on there shouldn't be a problem.
—New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
Through a backpedal motion, the freewheel on the Utility S2 shift from one chain tension to another, high gear or low.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
With a tight runtime and 10 freewheeling new songs, the band embraces the energy of its beloved live show throughout the new project, as the members jam out in the studio while riffing off of one another to make a collaborative, occasionally improvisational project.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
Imagine a world where early social networks were run by large corporations rather than freewheeling startups.
—Scott D. Anthony, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for freewheel
Cite this Entry
“Freewheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freewheel. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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