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
Susan Page, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024
The proponents of legalization here never intended to create a market that was so freewheeling.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 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
The Indiana governor bolstered Trump's standing with white evangelical voters, an important part of the Republican coalition that might have been put off by his multiple marriages, coarse language and freewheeling personal behavior.
—Susan Page, USA TODAY, 26 June 2024
The proponents of legalization here never intended to create a market that was so freewheeling.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 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 2 Jul. 2024.
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