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

Tying them together are black grosgrain bows, a throwback Brock Collection signature. — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 22 July 2026

Manuel, a former defensive lineman at Michigan, was a link to the Bo Schembechler era and a throwback to a time when athletic directors were more like ex-coaches than highly polished corporate executives. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Below, see how Matt Damon and Luciana Damon’s love story has unfolded over the years in these 16 throwback photos. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Lean into playful accessories, metallic finishes, and colorful layers for a look that’s equal parts throwback and concert-ready. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 July 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