Definition of freestyle

The word "freestyle" originated from the sport of freestyle skiing and snowboarding in the late 1970s. Initially known as "free riding," this style of skiing and snowboarding involved riders navigating through unmarked and ungroomed terrain, rather than strictly following the designated slopes. "Free riding" gained popularity throughout the 1980s and eventually evolved into "freestyle" as riders started performing tricks and stunts in addition to simply riding the unmarked terrain. The term "freestyle" was coined to describe the combination of trick and terrain riding that typified this new, more creative form of skiing and snowboarding. Outside of winter sports, the term "freestyle" has come to be associated with other creative and unbound forms of expression, such as freestyle rap, freestyle writing, and freestyle dance. In each instance, the term connotes a sense of unrestrained and innovative creativity, usually in contrast to more regimented or traditional forms of artistic expression.