throwback

noun

throw·back | \ ˈthrō-ˌbak

Definition of throwback

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : one that is suggestive of or suited to an earlier time or style his manners were a throwback to a more polite era

2a : reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism

b : an instance or product of atavistic reversion

throw back

verb

Definition of throw back (Entry 2 of 2)

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

In the small city-state of Monaco, perched on a hillside overlooking the harbor, a cotton candy-pink mansion is a rare throwback to the days when the region first emerged as a haven for the super rich. — Katherine Clarke, WSJ, "The Pink Mansion That Housed Monte Carlo’s Founding Family Asks $125 Million," 30 Jan. 2019 In a way, this is throwback style: During the Renaissance, lace shirts were a staple for male dandies, and pink was a masculine color in the 1920s well before Barbie took it over. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, "Who Needs Gender? Why Men and Women Are Dressing Identically," 21 Feb. 2019 Just last week, more than a few New York designers sent models down the runway sporting sparkling throwback shadow shades ranging from icy blue to pastel purple. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Selena Gomez Tries Out This Season’s Trickiest Makeup Trend," 20 Feb. 2019 That being said, when these actors and actresses reunite in REAL LIFE, the throwback vibes are taken to the next level. — Victoria Rodriguez, Seventeen, "Most Iconic Disney Channel Reunions of All Time," 12 Feb. 2019 Here’s a throwback to my Fall 2017 @oneroomchallenge reveal. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Ombré Stairs Are Exactly What Your Entryway Is Missing," 14 Jan. 2019 Carson has shared some throwbacks of himself as a child on Instagram, and these pictures further prove how much his nine-year-old resembles him. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "'The Voice' Host Carson Daly's Son Looks Exactly Like Him," 23 Dec. 2018 On Instagram, Princess Diana's niece Lady Kitty Spencer, posted a black-and-white throwback of her first day of school. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Princess Charlotte Looks Identical to Princess Diana's Niece Lady Kitty Spencer," 26 Nov. 2018 Carolina might be the NFL’s closest approximation to a throwback. — Will Graves, The Seattle Times, "Surging Newton, Panthers face red-hot Steelers," 7 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

There seems to be a study out every week about the harmful effects of throwing back a cold one. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "How Giving Up Happy Hour Saved My Sanity and My Health," 11 Jan. 2019 There seems to be a study out every week about the harmful effects of throwing back a cold one. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "How Giving Up Happy Hour Saved My Sanity and My Health," 11 Jan. 2019 There seems to be a study out every week about the harmful effects of throwing back a cold one. — Liana Satenstein, Vogue, "How Giving Up Happy Hour Saved My Sanity and My Health," 11 Jan. 2019 But as Vox’s Tara Golshan explains, the resolution was thrown back to square one after House Democrats helped Republicans stall any action on Yemen until at least the new Congress comes into session. — Amanda Sakuma, Vox, "Saudi Arabia is reportedly outsourcing its war in Yemen to child soldiers," 30 Dec. 2018 At the tail end of the hit, Veritas let the throw back into the infield get away, allowing Jesse Perry to score. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "FBCA baseball team going back to TAPPS state tourney after 8-5 victory," 11 May 2018 As the agent tried to put handcuffs on him, Miranda-Alonso threw back his elbows and ran, the complaint states. — Kristina Davis, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Two arrested in separate assault attempts on Border Patrol agents," 12 May 2018 Despite a long day in the sun, Borne threw back on his uniform and met with Keyan on Saturday evening. — Michelle Hunter, NOLA.com, "Dad lauds JPSO deputy who gave son policing pointers," 1 May 2018 In case throwing back an array of brewskis didn’t warm you up enough, a bowl of red curry with spicy chicken should do the trick. — Gwendolyn Purdom, RedEye Chicago, "Chicago date idea: Craft beer festival then Thai food," 23 Feb. 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.