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
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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Giveaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveaway. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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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