throwback

noun throw·back \ ˈthrō-ˌbak \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Definition of throwback

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

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Recent Examples of throwback from the Web

In many ways Hereditary is a throwback to older films like Don’t Look Now and Rosemary’s Baby.

— geek's guide to the galaxy, WIRED, "Satanists Just Aren’t Scary Anymore," 14 July 2018
Paul was selling throwback jerseys from the trunk of his car and James was starring at nearby St. Vincent-St.

— lee jenkins, SI.com, "Fit For The King: LeBron James and the Lakers Form Hollywood's Ultimate Marriage," 11 July 2018
Scoring is a throwback to the pre-computer days — paper only (so brush up on your math skills or have your phone handy).

— sarah bahr, Indianapolis Star, "Ultimate Indiana bucket list: 50+ things to do in Indianapolis and around the state," 11 July 2018
Zach LaVine, Denzel Valentine, Cameron Payne and Bobby Portis — dressed in a throwback Dennis Rodman jersey — sat courtside, while general manager Gar Forman and coach Fred Hoiberg watched from the lower bowl.

— malika andrews, chicagotribune.com, "Bulls stumble in second Summer League game," 9 July 2018
Rows of vegetables in a garden bed are a throwback to the days of horse or oxen plowing a field or garden back and forth, so a more modern and efficient way of planting is in beds.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "With drought always a threat, we all need to learn our water lessons," 16 June 2018
But Strait is a throwback to the days of steel guitar and twang.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "George Strait closes out Bayou County Superfest with class," 28 May 2018
The concept emphasizes vintage streetwear over couture, and the shop works with a network of buyers who specialize in throwback jerseys, rock T-shirts, and classic sportswear.

— janelle nanos, BostonGlobe.com, "Here’s a look at the new shops opening on Newbury Street this summer," 25 May 2018
The movie is a throwback to Woo's early days in terms of its thrilling and stylized action.

— troy l. smith, cleveland.com, "'Manhunt' on Netflix: 5 other John Woo classics you must see," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'throwback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of throwback

1888

in the meaning defined at sense 2a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

throw back

verb

Definition of throw 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

Recent Examples of throw back from the Web

And after Conforto launched a splitter for a long foul ball down the right-field line with the tying run on first base Friday night, Neris threw back-to-back fastballs, the second of which was hit for the go-ahead homer.

— scott lauber, Philly.com, "Hector Neris blows another save as Phillies fall to Mets," 11 May 2018
And before that, the flying disc was just a pie tin thrown back and forth between employees at Frisbie's Pies in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

— madeline mitchell, Cincinnati.com, "Ultimate Frisbee is likely to fly into the 2024 or 2028 Olympic Games. You can see the world's top players here in Greater Cincinnati," 12 July 2018
So why were so many of my prime halibut being thrown back automatically by boat captains?

— author: christine cunningham, Anchorage Daily News, "While pondering chicken halibut, a question nags: Where’s the beef halibut?," 6 July 2018
Still, no duo has been able to outdo The Beckhams: Whether lengths are cut short and left piece-y, or thrown back into soccer-friendly headbands, the subject of hair has become a full-on family affair.

— mackenzie wagoner, Vogue, "15 Couples Who Cemented Their Soulmate Status With Twinning Haircuts," 4 July 2018
Ramage then threw back to third to double off Grenier, and a groundout ended the inning.

— eric olson, Houston Chronicle, "Oregon State forces Game 3 at College World Series; Arkansas laments blown chance," 28 June 2018
Ramage then threw back to third to double off Grenier, and a groundout ended the inning.

— eric olson, chicagotribune.com, "Oregon St. wins 5-3 to force Game 3 in College World Series finals; Hogs crying over foul," 27 June 2018
Jersey guy Mike Trout hit a solo shot off Severino to tie things with two outs in the top of the fifth, although fans in the right field mezzanine saw fit to throw back the ball from the Millville product’s 16th homer of the season.

— greg tartaglia, USA TODAY, "Gleyber Torres sets New York Yankees home run mark in win over LA Angels," 25 May 2018
If anything, the game is synonymous with throwing back light lagers that have more in common with water than anything else.

— justin kennedy, GQ, "The Best Reason to Go to a Baseball Game Just Got Even Better," 12 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'throw back.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of throw back

1840

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

THROWBACK Defined for English Language Learners

throwback

noun

Definition of throwback for English Language Learners

: a person or thing that is similar to someone or something from the past or that is suited to an earlier time

Medical Dictionary

throwback

noun throw·back \ ˈthrō-ˌbak \

medical Definition of throwback

1 : reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism

2 : an instance or product of atavistic reversion

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throwback

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throw back

Definition of throw back

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THROWBACK Defined for English Language Learners

throwback

Definition of throwback for English Language Learners

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throwback

medical Definition of throwback

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throw back

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THROWBACK Defined for English Language Learners

throwback

Definition of throwback for English Language Learners

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