freestyle

noun/verb/ˈfriːstaɪl/ 🔊 listen

Freestyle means improvised rap performed spontaneously without any pre-written lyrics. The rapper makes it up on the spot, matching words to the beat in real time — considered one of the most impressive skills in hip-hop.

📖 Meanings

1a swimming style where any stroke is allowed, usually front crawl
"She won the 100m freestyle at the Olympics." — She won the 100m freestyle at the Olympics.
2spontaneous, improvised rap with no written lyrics
"His freestyle went viral overnight." — (performed off the top of his head)
3to rap spontaneously and improvise
"Can you freestyle for two minutes straight?" — (make up lyrics on the spot)

🔄 Related terms

💬 Phrases

drop a freestylefreestyle battleoff the top freestylefreestyle session
❓ What is a freestyle in hip-hop?