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.
Participants step or jump off a platform more than 40 feet above the ground, experiencing a brief moment of free fall before the rope system catches them and slowly lowers them to the ground. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 But Converse is in free fall, and analysts suspect Nike may sell it. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 But those efforts failed to attract customers, and Daunt watched as Waterstones’ sales went into free fall, threatening to pull down much of the publishing industry with it. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 When Grainge was finally announced as UMG’s next CEO in 2010, taking the reins from Doug Morris, the music industry was in a free fall. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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