throwback

1 of 2

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

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

throw back

2 of 2

verb

threw back; thrown back; throwing back; throws 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

Examples of throwback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The costume is the perfect excuse to dig out your skinny jeans, going-out top and pumps for a throwback to the aughts—a scary thought in itself. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

The Rare Beauty collab also builds on the wave of 2000s throwbacks that Disney stars such as Gomez and Lovato, as well as the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus, have been enjoying this past year. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

Tampa Bay returned to its white home jerseys, a day after playing in Devil Rays throwbacks. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

The Atlanta Falcons posted a profile pic featuring their throwback logo. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for throwback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

throwback

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

: something that has changed back to an earlier type or phase

Medical Definition

throwback

noun

throw·​back ˈthrō-ˌbak 

1

: reversion to an earlier type or phase : atavism

2

: an instance or product of atavistic reversion