giveaway

noun give·away \ ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

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

For their part, Democrats have said that repealing the tax is a giveaway to the rich and will exacerbate surging wealth inequality.

— ben steverman, latimes.com, "It’s a great time to be a wealthy heir after Trump's tax overhaul," 16 May 2018
The $275 fee includes a giveaway package featuring a Rockets T-shirt and basketball, player evaluation and a ticket to a Rockets home game during the 2018-19 season.

— jennifer michelle greenberg, Houston Chronicle, "Looking for a summer camp? Here are options," 15 May 2018
Smaller replica versions were featured in a video game and as a McDonald’s Happy Meal giveaway.

— diane bell, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Qualcomm robotics engineer gets into fights as a hobby," 9 May 2018
The communitywide event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, and feature a number of Belmont Savings Bank sponsored activities, including a car show, gift card giveaway, cash cube, camel rides, pony rides and a dog show.

— zipporah osei, BostonGlobe.com, "Community service, town celebrations, and a new museum director," 9 May 2018
The Swedish-themed retailer on Wednesday announced events, special offers and thousands of dollars in gift card giveaways — one worth as much as $2,000 — as part of its May 16 opening day celebration in Oak Creek.

— paul gores, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ikea offering grand opening promotions at new Oak Creek store," 9 May 2018
The Blue Jays have an Osuna T-shirt giveaway scheduled for Thursday night's game against the Mariners.

— jesse yomtov, USA TODAY, "Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna charged with assaulting woman; MLB places him on leave," 8 May 2018
Anywhere from 15 to 60 people show up at the Narcan giveaway events that the Hamilton County Health Department has had in the past year, said James Ginder, a health educator with the department.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "The surgeon general wants more of us to carry naloxone. Here's where to get it free," 5 May 2018
That’s a very generous giveaway to developers who just cut that much in hard costs, opening their profit margin.

— lauren ritchie, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Another bad scheme: Eustis foolishly pays for growth to come," 4 May 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

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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

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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