freestyle
n. · v. · adj.-
1 swimming (n.) B1 Intermediate Sporta swimming race where you can use any stroke you like, though most people use the front crawl.
a swimming competition in which any stroke may be used; in practice, it refers almost exclusively to the front crawl as the most efficient method.
ExampleShe won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle at the local meet.
ExampleThe swimmer dominated the freestyle event, maintaining a consistent pace that left his competitors struggling to close the gap in the final lap.
- front crawl
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2 improvised rap (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Musica style of rapping where the performer makes up the lyrics on the spot.
a style of hip-hop performance in which the artist improvises lyrics in real time, often over a pre-recorded beat.
ExampleThe rapper impressed the crowd with a five-minute freestyle about the city.
ExampleDuring the radio interview, the artist delivered a complex freestyle that showcased his ability to weave intricate internal rhymes without prior preparation.
- improv
- ad lib
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3 to improvise (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto perform or do something by making it up as you go instead of following a plan.
to perform in an improvised or unrestricted manner, particularly in music, dance, or sports.
ExampleThe dancers started to freestyle when the DJ played a different kind of beat.
ExampleThe jazz musician began to freestyle over the chord progression, taking the melody in a direction the rest of the band had not anticipated.
- improvise
- ad lib
- extemporize
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4 unrestricted style (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatedone in a free way without following strict rules or a set pattern.
relating to or performed in a style that allows for individual choice or improvisation.
ExampleThe competition includes a freestyle section where skaters can show off their best tricks.
ExampleThe freestyle skiing event allows athletes to incorporate various flips and spins that are not permitted in more traditional downhill disciplines.
From free + style.