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throwback

1 of 2

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak How to pronounce throwback (audio)
1
: one that is suggestive of or suited to an earlier time or style
his manners were a throwback to a more polite era
2
a
: reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism
b
: an instance or product of atavistic reversion

throw back

2 of 2

verb

threw back; thrown back; throwing back; throws back

transitive verb

1
: to delay the progress or advance of : check
2
: to cause to rely : make dependent
they are thrown back upon … native intelligenceMichael Novak
3

intransitive verb

: to revert to an earlier type or phase

Examples of throwback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The glossy, good-looking production feels like a throwback to French fare from a few decades ago — middlebrow passing for intellectual, mainstream commercial passing for arthouse. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2025 This quilt is a bit of a Y2K throwback with bold pinks, oranges, and gold thread woven very subtly into the texture. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 May 2025 That movie is Heart Eyes, what looked like a goofy slasher film, and…is a goofy slasher film, but one that’s a throwback to schlocky classics in a way that’s actually quite fun. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 From K-pop to award-winning series to classic throwbacks and more, here are our top picks to stream all month on Samsung TV Plus, celebrating some of the most beloved AAPI talent. Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for throwback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of throwback was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Throwback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throwback. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

throwback

noun
throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak How to pronounce throwback (audio)
: something that has changed back to an earlier type or phase

Medical Definition

throwback

noun
throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak How to pronounce throwback (audio)
1
: reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism
2
: an instance or product of atavistic reversion

More from Merriam-Webster on throwback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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