throwaway

adjective

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throw·away | \ ˈthrō-ə-ˌwā

Definition of throwaway

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

throwaway

noun

Definition of throwaway (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : one that is or is designed to be thrown away: such as

a : a free handbill or circular

b : 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

throw away

verb

threw away; thrown away; throwing away; throws away

Definition of throw away (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to get rid of as worthless or unnecessary

b : discard sense 2b

2a : to use in a foolish or wasteful manner : squander

b : to fail to take advantage of : waste throw away an opportunity

3 : to make (something, such as a line in a play) unemphatic by casual delivery

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About throwaway

Examples of throwaway in a Sentence

Verb I should throw away that torn shirt. if you buy a high-end computer, you'll just be throwing away money on a bunch of features you'll never use

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective But while most launches over the past 60 years have involved throwaway launch vehicles, humanity should be moving toward sustainability, Jah says. — Ramin Skibba, Wired, 17 Mar. 2022 However, through the ruse, a funny, throwaway moment in Return of the Jedi is better explained. — Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Jan. 2022 There are no throwaway lines in Lesser Known Monsters; each story is rich and metamorphic, perfect for breaking the monotony of winter days. — Wired Staff, Wired, 26 Nov. 2021 Name tags were throwaway stickers, not the usual recyclable kind. — BostonGlobe.com, 29 July 2021 The characters in Snake Eyes always seem to be in climax-speak mode; even the most throwaway lines are steeped in portent. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 July 2021 That applies to the casting as well, which includes squandering Sacha Baron Cohen in a throwaway role. — Brian Lowry, CNN, 17 June 2021 Malawi's plastic waste will require more than 100 years to decompose, but sustained manufacturing of throwaway plastics may lengthen this projection. — Nimi Princewill, CNN, 15 June 2021 These are small, seemingly throwaway revelations that ultimately feel more sinister than absurd. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 9 June 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The one-two punch of a more serious/important mid-credits scene and a more lighthearted/throwaway post-credits scene has been the pattern for Marvel films lately. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 5 May 2022 Such falsehoods aside, the most interesting aspect of Lavrov's polemic relates to his throwaway comments about Zelensky. — Anthony D. Kauders, CNN, 5 May 2022 Mary considered the option for her junior prom (where, in a perfect embodiment of the Gen Z paradox, one classmate showed up in a bin bag to protest throwaway fashion, while another spent hundreds on a dress unlikely ever to be worn again). — Fedora Abu, refinery29.com, 27 Apr. 2022 For Gen Z customers, this trend was even more pronounced—84% of them used throwaway emails—but at 59% the rate was also high for those 46 years and older. — Tiffany Ap, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2022 Environmentalists say industry groups are exaggerating the potential price tag while minimizing the costs their throwaway products impose. — Susanne Ruststaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2022 Under the deal, a group of bankers loaned money to the government, picking up the jewels of Russian industry at throwaway prices in return, including Vladimir Potanin, who grabbed a large share of Norilsk Nickel. — Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2022 After that scene, three more throwaway scenes come and go, all seemingly in service of the Next Big DC Film. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2022 Thanks to multiple attachments, this steam cleaner safely (and easily) sanitizes all kinds of surfaces—floors, showers, furniture—using nothing but hot water (no questionable chemicals or throwaway pads). — Petra Guglielmetti, Health.com, 11 Mar. 2022 See More

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.