throw-in

1 of 2

noun

1
: an act or instance of throwing a ball in: such as
a
: a throw made from the touchline in soccer to put the ball back in play after it has gone into touch
b
: a throw from an outfielder to the infield in baseball
c
: an inbounds pass in basketball
2
: something added as a bonus or supplement

throw in

2 of 2

verb

threw in; thrown in; throwing in; throws in

transitive verb

1
: to add as a gratuity or supplement
2
: to introduce or interject in the course of something : contribute
they throw in some … sound effects on several songsTom Phillips
3
4
: engage
throw in the clutch

intransitive verb

: to enter into association or partnership : join
agrees to throw in with a crooked ex-copNewsweek
Phrases
throw in the towel or less commonly throw in the sponge
: to abandon a struggle or contest : acknowledge defeat : give up

Examples of throw-in in a Sentence

Noun anyone who buys a book today will get a bookmark as a throw-in
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Loons scored two goals — one apiece on a free kick and a long throw-in — to propel its 2-1 win over FC Dallas on Friday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 July 2025 Their long throw-ins are a weapon, disruptive, hard to defend, and often unexpected. Asli Pelit, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Verb
Catch some crabs in the salt marsh at Oyster Landing, then buy a few pounds of shrimp from Seven Seas Seafood to throw in the pot with them. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025 Kerr also showed her support for Sánchez at the book launch party Kris threw in September 2024. Caroline Blair, People.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1678, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw-in was in 1678

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Cite this Entry

“Throw-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw-in. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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