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
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026
The restaurant may also hold a giveaway, where winners can get a free entree.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The chain went so far as to host an event at a restaurant in Auckland's Penrose suburb giving away free McMullet burgers to customers.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for giveaway
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Noun
Every teacher who wins ALDI’s Honor Roll giveaway will also receive a box full of gifts, from snacks to an exclusive ALDI Honor Roll tote bag.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026
The restaurant may also hold a giveaway, where winners can get a free entree.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Verb
Emery will argue his fine-margins approach, however blunt Villa presently appear in attack, could have been validated if Ollie Watkins’ close-range shot was not straight at Stefan Ortega or if Lucas Digne had not flapped his arms inside the box to give away a penalty.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The chain went so far as to host an event at a restaurant in Auckland's Penrose suburb giving away free McMullet burgers to customers.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for giveaway
Cite this Entry
“Giveaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveaway. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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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