free agent

noun

: a professional athlete (such as a baseball player) who is free to negotiate a contract with any team
free agency noun

Examples of free agent in a Sentence

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.
There will more players shuffled off the roster — such as free agents Jonathan India and Luke Maile, among others. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 The Marlins would not try to bridge the gap by signing any marquee 30-plus free agents to enormous deals. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 For one, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, expected to be his top target at the time of his free agent signing in March, was traded away weeks later. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Originally a basketball player at Utah State University, the 6-foot-3 Green signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after a hoops career with the Aggies that saw him be named an All-American in 1961 and 1962. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free agent

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free agent was in 1955

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Cite this Entry

“Free agent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20agent. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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