freewheel

[ free-hweel, -weel ]

noun

1. a device in the transmission of a motor vehicle that automatically disengages the drive shaft whenever it begins to turn more rapidly than the engine.
2. a form of rear bicycle wheel that has a device freeing it from the driving mechanism, as when the pedals are stopped in coasting.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a vehicle or its operator) to coast with the wheels disengaged from the driving mechanism.
2. to move or function freely, independently, unconcernedly, or the like (often followed by about, through, around, etc.):

   The two friends freewheeled around the country after graduation.

freewheel

/ ˌfriːˈwiːl /

noun

1. a ratchet device in the rear hub of a bicycle wheel that permits the wheel to rotate freely while the pedals are stationary
2. a device in the transmission of some vehicles that automatically disengages the drive shaft when it rotates more rapidly than the engine shaft, so that the drive shaft can turn freely

verb

1. intr to coast in a vehicle or on a bicycle using the freewheel

Word History and Origins

Origin of freewheel¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; free + wheel

Example Sentences

So far, she’s found the L.A. scene much more freewheeling and open to collaborating and hanging out — including her old heroes in Whirr.

From Los Angeles Times

Christopher cites the freewheeling nature of the ’50s folk scene as a large influence on his father’s art, which had the sort of bold colors and intricate, line-heavy work one sees in a tattoo parlor.

From Los Angeles Times

Empowered by his own hubris, Trump builds and borrows and beds with impunity — all with a freewheeling sense of gleeful combativeness.

From Los Angeles Times

The freewheeling atmosphere created by the pair was a departure for “Today” and became a pop culture sensation.

From Los Angeles Times

A convention speech that started with a recollection of the assassination attempt and some calls for unity, however, devolved quickly into a more typical and freewheeling Trump speech dwelling on perceived grievances.

From BBC

Related Words

• cruise
• drift
• sail
• skate