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

The prosecution’s theory of why Jacobs was targeted is a throwback to a more violent era. —Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025

In a world obsessed with trending TikTok dances, where teenage influencers become overnight sensations with one silly viral video, Workman is a throwback. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025

Verb

Unlike other dives in the city, most customers aren’t throwing back innovative cocktails instead of beer and shot specials here. —Kaitlyn Rosati, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025

The Handmaid’s Tale Season-Premiere Recap: Trainwreck June and Serena are thrown back together as fugitives and mothers in an exquisitely taut season premiere. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Apr. 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