# freewheel

> English word · Noun · frequency rank #99,286

## Definitions
1. A device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.
2. The mode or state of operation thus produced: Synonym of neutral.

## Etymology
From free + wheel.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/freewheel
