throwback

1 of 2

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

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 intelligence …

—Michael Novak

3

: reflect

intransitive verb

: to revert to an earlier type or phase

Examples of throwback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

What’s especially delightful about this is that to see a truly camp film at all feels like a throwback. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026

But what do all these feel-good throwbacks add up to? —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026

If the internet’s reaction is any indication, arenas across the country might soon have a few more aspiring vocalists in the stands, ready to belt out throwback hits when the pressure is at its peak. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026

Bella Hadid is continuing her bangs era—this time with a different throwback twist. —Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for throwback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

throwback

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

: something that has changed back to an earlier type or phase

Medical Definition

throwback

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

1

: reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism

2

: an instance or product of atavistic reversion