giveaway

1 of 2

noun

give·​away ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce giveaway (audio)
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
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
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.
Noun
The costume giveaway and Halloween celebration will take place at the Harambee Neighborhood Tot Lot at 1st Street and Keefe Avenue to celebrate the holiday season. Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Both are part of the Liberty Bar Network, a collective of bars across the city that serve as official watch destinations for Liberty away games, offering fans themed drink specials, giveaways, and an opportunity to connect with fellow Liberty fans. Marc Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
Ulukaya has been a vocal supporter of hiring refugees and pledged to give away the majority of his fortune to help refugees, according to The New York Times. Emily Barnes, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 Social media platforms quickly filled with believers praising the day and sharing tips, questioning if their pets would be left behind, and in some cases even reportedly quitting their jobs or giving away belongings in anticipation. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for giveaway

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of giveaway was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Giveaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveaway. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

giveaway

1 of 2 noun
give·​away ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā How to pronounce giveaway (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on giveaway

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