throwback

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noun throw·back \ ˈthrō-ˌbak \

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

See throwback defined for English-language learners

See throwback defined for kids

Recent Examples of throwback from the Web

But there's a silver lining: All of the Jaws movies will be available next month to fulfill your throwback thriller needs.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "Leaving Netflix in September 2017: It's Your Last Chance to Watch These 38 Titles," 23 Aug. 2017
Most recently on that list is throwback specialist Fila.

— christine flammia, Esquire, "Fila and Barneys Just Gave Some '90s Classics a Serious Upgrade," 15 Aug. 2017
Both teams are wearing throwback jerseys, the White Sox 1917 to commemorate their World Series victory that year.

— paul skrbina, chicagotribune.com, "White Sox set to face Indians, Corey Kluber," 29 July 2017
The fair, which runs through Sunday, is a throwback to those days when DuPage was mostly a place made up of small towns and acres of cornfields, cattle pastures and farmhouses.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "County fair a throwback to DuPage's agricultural past," 28 July 2017
But what really makes the throwback building at the corner of Clay Street and First Avenue unique is the air.

— ron judd, The Seattle Times, "Seattle’s historic Labor Temple is a symbol of solidarity," 25 July 2017
Throwback Thursday: Fashion Show by Shingo and performances by Rob Base, Kid Capri & Doug E. Fresh.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week: July 25-30," 24 July 2017
Its namesake Abercrombie chain is going after older customers and playing up its heritage with a throwback logo, while the Hollister brand targets teen shoppers.

— lindsey rupp, Bloomberg.com, "Abercrombie & Fitch's Failed Deal Is the Latest Problem for Teen Retailers," 10 July 2017
Their sound is a throwback to The Black Crowes and their hair is as long as Mick Jagger's.

— birmingham magazine, AL.com, "Everything you need to know about Sloss Fest," 6 July 2017

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

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

First Known Use of throw back

1840

THROWBACK Defined for English Language Learners

throwback

play

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

play

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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First Known Use of throwback

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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First Known Use of throw back

THROWBACK Defined for English Language Learners

throwback

Definition of throwback for English Language Learners

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throwback

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