free love

noun

1. the doctrine or practice of having sexual relations or living together without legal marriage or continuing obligation.

free love

noun

1. the practice of sexual relationships without fidelity to a single partner or without formal or legal ties

Word History and Origins

Origin of free love¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

Among many other things, Lithuanian-born radical anarchist Emma Goldman strongly defended free love and homosexuality in the early 1900s, understanding any attack on those forms of intimacy as government overreach.

From Washington Post

Hal also believes himself partly culpable, as the couple had lightly dabbled in free love when they were younger.

From The Daily Beast

He was an atheist, free love advocate, and notorious womanizer.

From The Daily Beast

They learned their deadly trade in Syria, where they offended Arab sensibilities by sunbathing naked and practicing free love.

From The Daily Beast

Agnes Ebbsmith is on the point of seeking consolation in free love for the troubles and humiliations of her married life.

From Project Gutenberg

When we examine into what the phrase free-love really means, we will not be so fearful of its sound.

From Project Gutenberg

And free love, free thought—the Christian religion out of the schools—no!

From Project Gutenberg

Does not free love, the mainspring of the movement, lead to this?

From Project Gutenberg

He gives His love freely, without any reward, and so it is free love; the offer is alike to all.

From Project Gutenberg