give·away
ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā 
plural giveaways
1
: an unintentional revelation or betrayal
2
a
: something given away free
specifically
: premium sense 1d
b
: the act of giving something away free
staging a promotional giveaway
3
: a radio or television program on which prizes are given away
4
sports
: an error or poor play that allows an opponent to gain control of the ball or puck : a mistake that results in a turnover
As a team the Dolphins have committed a league-low 12 giveaways.—
Jim Trotter
Jim Trotter
gave away; given away; giving away; gives away
1
: to make a present of
2
: to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding
4
: to give (something, such as weight) by way of a handicap
Examples of giveaway in a Sentence
Noun
The way she looked at him was a dead giveaway that they were more than just friends.
The store is offering coffee mugs as free giveaways to attract new customers.
The store is staging a promotional giveaway to attract new customers.
Verb
the insincerity of his apology was given away by that slight smirk on his face
gave away all her potted plants when she moved
Recent Examples on the Web
Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025
Golden State had 25 giveaways, helping the young Blazers score 30 fastbreak points.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
To trick you into giving away account numbers, Social Security details, or direct-deposit information.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for giveaway
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Noun
Opening day attendees can also take in live music, score giveaways in the lift line or grab a bite at 6th Alley Bar & Grill, Black Mountain Lodge or Legends Cafe.
—Katie Langford, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025
Golden State had 25 giveaways, helping the young Blazers score 30 fastbreak points.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
The entire Saratoga City Council turned out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday afternoon, and city staff provided a table with refreshments and free succulents to give away.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
To trick you into giving away account numbers, Social Security details, or direct-deposit information.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for giveaway
Cite this Entry
“Giveaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveaway. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
giveaway
1 of 2 noun
give·away
ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā
1
: an unintentional act of revealing or betraying
his expression was a dead giveaway of his guilt
2
: something that is given away free
3
: an event at which things are given away
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