freehand

[ free-hand ]

adjective

1. drawn or executed by hand without guiding instruments, measurements, or other aids:

   a freehand map.

adverb

1. in a freehand manner:

   to draw freehand.

Word History and Origins

Origin of freehand¹

First recorded in 1860–65; free + hand

Example Sentences

“I’m painting it completely freehand,” said Vargas, who plans to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until it’s done.

From Los Angeles Times

He mostly cut freehand, sometimes using indentations he made with his fingernails as outlines, then dyed his creations with green, pink, red and yellow pigments.

From New York Times

Ted, who was his mother's touring guitarist, told the trial that Franklin would have written a will "conventionally and legally" rather than by "freehand".

From BBC

These have a freehand grace and elasticity, if also a wandering quality.

From New York Times

Get colorful for spring with this poppy and pink button-down shirt, alive with butterflies, roses and freehand drawings.

From Los Angeles Times