giveaway

noun give·away \ ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 2018

Examples: giveaway in a Sentence

Definition of giveaway

plural giveaways

1 : an unintentional revelation or betrayal

2 a : something given away free; specifically : premium 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

See giveaway defined for English-language learners

See giveaway defined for kids

Examples of giveaway in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of giveaway from the Web

Opponents say changing the law would amount to a giveaway to power companies.

— rob nikolewski, sandiegouniontribune.com, "SDG&E awards $1M to groups fighting wildfires," 12 July 2018
Davids, as an advocate for LGBTQ issues, was set to speak out against Pence at the hot dog giveaway.

— edward mckinley, kansascity, "KC Health Department puts the kibosh (kielbasa?) on sausage party outside Pence event," 11 July 2018
The giveaway will roll out on a daily basis, with new titles available each day until July 18.

— dieter holger, PCWorld, "Here's all 21 free games available through Twitch for Prime Day," 3 July 2018
There will also be a contest for the best hat with Union Jack’s gift cards as giveaways.

— john-john williams iv, baltimoresun.com, "Royal wedding watch parties and specials in Baltimore," 17 May 2018
Through this sponsorship -- which changes weekly -- sponsors also receive exposure through the AvonPool.com website, sponsor page and Facebook page, and receive five one-day admission passes to use as giveaways.

— julie a. short/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "NR Community Garden project accepting applications: Short Takes on Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville," 29 Mar. 2018
Caribbean American Exhibition and Festival, Saturday, 4-10 p.m. The cultural festival features indoor/outdoor exhibits, island food and music, arts and crafts, raffles and giveaways, health/wellness booths and a kids' area. $10.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Family fun: Free art workshops, Caribbean fests, Lychee celebration," 26 June 2018
To coincide with the giveaway, Humble is offering deep discounts on the sequels.

— brad chacos, PCWorld, "The Humble Store is giving cyberpunk RPG Shadowrun Returns away for free," 22 June 2018
There’ll be other giveaways, $2 hot dog specials, music from Kiss 95.1, and plenty of Cheerwine and Sycamore Brewing’s craft-beer creations. 2-5 p.m. Free.

— courtney devores, charlotteobserver, "Your 5-minute guide to the best things to do in Charlotte | June 22-28," 21 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'giveaway.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of giveaway

1882

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

giveaway Synonyms

Synonyms

comp, donation, freebie (or freebee), gift, handsel, lagniappe, largess (also largesse), present, presentation;

Near Antonyms

advance, loan;

bribe, peace offering, sop;

grant, subsidy;

remembrance, tribute, valentine;

bonus, boon, windfall;

courtesy, favor, generosity, sacrifice;

gratuity, tip;

award, prize, reward;

dowry;

bequest, legacy;

give away

verb

Definition of give away

transitive verb

1 : to make a present of

2 : to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding

3 a : betray

b : disclose, reveal

4 : to give (something, such as weight) by way of a handicap

See give away defined for kids

Examples of give away in a Sentence

the insincerity of his apology was given away by that slight smirk on his face
gave away all her potted plants when she moved

First Known Use of give away

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

give away Synonyms

Phrases

give of;

GIVEAWAY Defined for English Language Learners

giveaway

noun

Definition of giveaway for English Language Learners

: something (such as a movement or a facial expression) that clearly shows the truth or existence of something that had not been known
: something that is given away free
: an event at which things are given away