castaway

adjective

cast·​away ˈkast-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce castaway (audio)
1
: thrown away : rejected
2
a
: cast adrift or ashore as a survivor of a shipwreck
b
: thrown out or left without friends or resources
castaway noun

Examples of castaway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Emotion was a big part of Season 48, with Probst being moved to tears on camera for the first time in 25 years when castaway Joe Hunter put the game aside to make sure his ally, Eva Erickson, a player with autism, was OK. Emily Longeretta, Variety, 19 Aug. 2025 And his castaway shipmate has marvelously oversized whiskers, formidable fangs and a ravenous appetite. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 5 June 2025 Creative decor with upcycled and reclaimed materials, retractable roofs for stargazing from bed From $4,400/night Book now Soneva brought its castaway fantasy to new heights with the May 2024 opening of a third Maldivian hideaway that’s its grandest—and smallest—resort to date. Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025 The package also includes daily breakfast and dinner and a bottle of champagne, and add-ons include a private dinner aboard a yacht, a castaway picnic lunch on a private island, and filling your private pool with red roses. Devorah Lev-Tov, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2025 Watching the castaway characters navigate the unknown, despite its violence and ridiculousness, has been a soothing reprieve from the casual chaos of my own everyday life. Vox Staff, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024 Your privileged castaway journey begins in Long Beach, 30 to 60 minutes from Anaheim by car depending on the time of day. Paula Conway, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of castaway was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Castaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/castaway. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

castaway

adjective
cast·​away ˈkas-tə-ˌwā How to pronounce castaway (audio)
1
: thrown away
2
: cast adrift or ashore
castaway noun

More from Merriam-Webster on castaway

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