Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
noun
A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
The mode or state of operation thus produced: Synonym of neutral.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Of a gear, to continue spinning after disengagement.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Topics: engineering, mechanical-engineering, mechanics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Of a cyclist, to ride a bicycle without pedalling, e.g. downhill.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
Topics: cycling, hobbies, lifestyle, sports
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Of a motorist, to operate a motor vehicle which is coasting without power, e.g. downhill.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: automotive, transport, vehicles
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To operate free from constraints.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, figuratively
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting)
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: clutch
verb
coast in a vehicle using the freewheel
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: coast
verb
live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: drift
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: exist, survive, live, subsist
History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *preyH- Proto-Indo-European *-ós Proto-Indo-European *priHós Proto-Germanic *frijwaz Proto-West Germanic *friu Old English frēo Middle English fre English free Proto-Indo-European *kwel- Proto-Indo-European *kwekwléh2 Proto-Germanic *hweulō Old English hwēol Middle English whel English wheel English freewheel From free + wheel.
Across languages
12 source translations are retained for this English entry.
