throwback

1 of 2

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

1

: one that is suggestive of or suited to an earlier time or style

his manners were a throwback to a more polite era

2

a

: reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism

b

: an instance or product of atavistic reversion

throw back

2 of 2

verb

threw back; thrown back; throwing back; throws back

transitive verb

1

: to delay the progress or advance of : check

2

: to cause to rely : make dependent

… they are thrown back upon … native intelligence …

—Michael Novak

3

: reflect

intransitive verb

: to revert to an earlier type or phase

Examples of throwback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There’s something deliciously retro about a bar cart, a throwback to Prohibition and beyond, that can keep a Martini always readily at hand. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025

That shot-on-film aspect lends to the film feeling like a throwback to classic coming-of-age movies, but with a chilling twist. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Nov. 2025

To mark the occasion, Vanessa shared an Instagram post featuring a throwback photo of the very first joint birthday the couple celebrated together back in 2006. —Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025

In honor of National Pickle Day, the Oscar winner shared a throwback photo of himself smiling while holding up a jar of pickles — completely nude. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for throwback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

throwback

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

: something that has changed back to an earlier type or phase

Medical Definition

throwback

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

1

: reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism

2

: an instance or product of atavistic reversion