Definition of throwaway
1 : designed to be thrown away : disposable throwaway containers
2 : written or spoken (as in a play) in a low-key or unemphatic manner throwaway lines
3 : nonchalant, casual
4 : marked by a tendency to discard things : overly wasteful a throwaway society
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Recent Examples of throwaway from the Web
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Artistic alchemy The constructions and prints of Guyton, cheerful and poignant at the same time, point to the possibility of transforming the detritus of a throwaway society into the alchemical gold of art.
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But other than a throwaway line from Tony Stark (referring to Peter Parker in his new high-tech Spidey suit) in last year's Captain America: Civil War, today's youth know little about these epic undergarments.
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Never mind the principal themes; Even the throwaway passages, those rapid runs from one main thought to another, were in perfect alignment.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'throwaway.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of throwaway
1928
throwaway
Definition of throwaway
1 : one that is or is designed to be thrown away: such asa : a free handbill or circularb : a line of dialogue (as in a play) de-emphasized by casual delivery; especially : a joke or witticism delivered casually
2 : something made or done without care or interest
3 : a child who has been forced to leave home or who has run away from indifferent or hostile parents
Recent Examples of throwaway from the Web
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That throwaway comment during an interview with CNN's Talk Asia might as well be Lewis Hamilton's mantra.
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The period is indicated subtly: sideburns and mustaches that don't look glued on; timely pop music; old cars; a throwaway reference to Watergate.
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If only the poop jokes were as subtle as the other throwaway gags.
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So more babysitting is not a throwaway or temporary fix.
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There is however a throwaway shot of hunting, so expect to make bullet pouches out of six deer skins again.
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The mash-up proved seamless, although one throwaway detail about Black Cindy's criminal past — stabbing her boss at Sea World — almost blew their cover.
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Other than the pick and the throwaway, there were only two other incompletions in 21 passes in team and seven-on-seven drills.
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That seemed like one of the show's amusing throwaway non-sequiturs until, in Season Two, Perfect Strangers swung back into view when it was revealed that Mark Linn-Baker faked his departure.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'throwaway.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of throwaway
1903
THROWAWAY Defined for English Language Learners
throwaway
Definition of throwaway for English Language Learners
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: made to be thrown away after use
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: made or said with very little thought
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: tending to throw things away instead of keeping them and using them again : very wasteful
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