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
ˈfrē-ˌfȯl How to pronounce free fall (audio)
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.
The other part was pushed upward using a magnetic pulse and then switched into a state with no magnetic field to simulate free fall under gravity. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 An incident that for others might be fatal—a free fall from a high bridge—affects the coyote for only a brief moment. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 With more than a quarter of CDC jobs lost and morale in free fall, current and former staff say rebuilding trust will depend less on rhetoric than on Schwartz’s next moves. — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 The Islamic Republic crushed a nationwide uprising in January, has an economy in free fall, and is fighting a war with America. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 30 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

Rhymes for free fall

See All Rhymes for free fall

Browse Nearby Words

free enterpriser
free fall
free fantasia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

free-fall

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

Medical Definition

free fall

noun
-ˌfȯl How to pronounce free fall (audio)
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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