To operate like a freewheel, so that one part moves freely over another which normally moves with it; said of a clutch
a clutch (as on the rear wheel of a bicycle) that allows wheels to turn freely (as in coasting) coast in a vehicle using the freewheel live unhurriedly, irresponsibly, or freely; "My son drifted around for years in California before going to law school
Freewheelcycles are usually fitted with hub brakes or rim brakes, operated by back pedaling
If you freewheel, you travel, usually downhill, on a bicycle without using the pedals, or in a vehicle without using the engine. He freewheeled back down the course. to ride a bicycle or drive a vehicle down a hill, without using power from your legs or the engine
A clutch fitted in the rear hub of a cycle, which engages the rear sprocket with the rear wheel when the pedals are rotated forwards, but permits the rear wheel to run on free from the rear sprocket when the pedals are stopped or rotated backwards
If you refer to someone's freewheeling lifestyle or attitudes, you mean that they behave in a casual, relaxed way without feeling restricted by rules or accepted ways of doing things. He has given up his freewheeling lifestyle to settle down with his baby daughter. not worried about rules or what will happen in the future