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

This film almost feels like a throwback to the ‘90s, in a refreshing way. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 26 June 2026

The throwback shoes complemented her distressed jeans while, of course, looking very cool. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 25 June 2026

The moody Sapphire Room, dramatic with its midnight blue walls and heavy blue velvet drapes and couches, is a nostalgic throwback. — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

While pro sports leagues have leaned back into goofy throwbacks, especially those of the 1990s NBA, college football hasn’t done the same. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 29 June 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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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