giveaway

1 of 2

noun

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

give away

2 of 2

verb

gave away; given away; giving away; gives away

transitive verb

1

: to make a present of

2

: to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding

3

a

: betray

b

: disclose, reveal

4

: to give (something, such as weight) by way of a handicap

Synonyms of giveaway

Noun

• gift
• donation
• present
• presentation

Verb

• display
• reveal
• show
• betray
• demonstrate

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

Noun

Beyond mortgage-rate buydowns and closing-cost help, Wolf said some are stacking giveaways—free appliances, design-studio credits, even a swimming pool—to grab buyers’ attention. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 22 June 2026

The event also features a pop-up Heat Store, special giveaways, photo opportunities, and more. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026

Verb

Without giving away too many details, Score teases the end of the fifth book has a surprise for these loyal readers. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 June 2026

When a piece is too meaningful to give away but not practical to wear or sell, turning it into something new keeps the memory without keeping the whole closet. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing giveaway

• dead giveaway
• giveaway price

Rhymes for giveaway

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids 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

give away

2 of 2 verb

ˌgiv-ə-ˈwā

1

: to present (a bride) to the bridegroom at a wedding

2

a

: to show unintentionally

b

: disclose, reveal