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
John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 Nov. 2018
Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2024
Advertisement Raitt’s band is constantly switching instruments for different keys and tunings, so freewheeling like Dylan would be impossible.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for freewheel 
Noun
On the other side, the spokes meet the axle slightly off-center, while the gears (and the freewheel that allows them to rotate freely in only one direction) take up the space between there and the frame.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 Nov. 2018
Verb
Harris’ needling prompted Trump to launch into the sort of freewheeling personal attacks and digressions that his advisers and supporters have tried to steer him away from.
—Josh Boak, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2024
Advertisement Raitt’s band is constantly switching instruments for different keys and tunings, so freewheeling like Dylan would be impossible.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for freewheel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'freewheel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Freewheel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/freewheel. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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