throwaway

adjective

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throw·away | \ ˈthrō-ə-ˌwā

Definition of throwaway

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : designed to be thrown away : disposable throwaway containers

2 : written or spoken (as in a play) in a low-key or unemphatic manner throwaway lines

3 : nonchalant, casual

4 : marked by a tendency to discard things : overly wasteful a throwaway society

throwaway

noun

Definition of throwaway (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : one that is or is designed to be thrown away: such as

a : a free handbill or circular

b : a line of dialogue (as in a play) de-emphasized by casual delivery especially : a joke or witticism delivered casually

2 : something made or done without care or interest

3 : a child who has been forced to leave home or who has run away from indifferent or hostile parents

throw away

verb

threw away; thrown away; throwing away; throws away

Definition of throw away (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to get rid of as worthless or unnecessary

b : discard sense 2b

2a : to use in a foolish or wasteful manner : squander

b : to fail to take advantage of : waste throw away an opportunity

3 : to make (something, such as a line in a play) unemphatic by casual delivery

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about throwaway

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Examples of throwaway in a Sentence

Verb I should throw away that torn shirt. if you buy a high-end computer, you'll just be throwing away money on a bunch of features you'll never use

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Hidden in what may appear to be throwaway lines of dialogue are clues like Mike remembering Kyle’s ideal bachelor party. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, "Review: Is ‘The Climb’ the greatest bromantic comedy ever?," 11 Nov. 2020 As Poirot finds throughout his career, the most mundane clues can prove vital: a fire laid on a hot summer’s day, a bath run at an unusual hour, or a throwaway comment about a wasp sting. — The Economist, "Little grey cells Hercule Poirot turns 100," 26 Sep. 2020 Over the course of their life, a single set of (re)zip bags should replace hundreds of throwaway plastic bags. — NBC News, "Best eco-friendly products to reduce plastic in the kitchen 2020," 6 May 2020 Early on, well before all hell breaks loose, there’s a seemingly throwaway moment that encapsulates nearly everything this movie is about: the insatiability of the human appetite and the pleasure of breaking the rules. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Hugh Jackman is at his best in the engrossing school-scam drama ‘Bad Education’," 23 Apr. 2020 Quinn doesn’t need to take weird chances on a slow cornerback like Teez Tabor or make a throwaway pick on a long snapper. — Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, "Biggest mistake Detroit Lions could make in NFL draft is Tua Tagovailoa: #NeverTua," 21 Apr. 2020 And using a reusable water bottle is way better for the environment than using throwaway plastic water bottles. — Kelsey Hurwitz, Woman's Day, "The Best Non-Perishable Food to Buy For Your Pantry," 30 Apr. 2020 Well, Biden mentioned it in kind of a throwaway line. — ABC News, "'This Week' Transcript 2-23-20: Amb. Robert O'Brien, Rep. Jim Clyburn," 22 Feb. 2020 She's not put in in a gratuitous way or throwaway moment. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, "'I'm 92% terrified': Director J.J. Abrams unveils 'Star Wars': The Rise of Skywalker'," 17 Dec. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun These are investment pieces, rather than throwaway souvenirs: the desk costs $3,800, while the pillows are priced between $175 and $450. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Maker Hotel's New Online Shop Is Filled with Custom Furniture and Decor," 17 Dec. 2020 There was a beautiful reluctance in Justin Fields’ first throwaway Saturday. — Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, "Justin Fields got the message and made the right decisions in Ohio State’s win: Doug Lesmerises observations," 6 Dec. 2020 The temptation today will be for Ducks fans to declare 2020 a throwaway season. — John Canzano, oregonlive, "Canzano: Oregon Ducks and Mario Cristobal get a gut check vs. Washington," 8 Dec. 2020 Most important, though, was one throwaway line hidden deep in the weeds of the Premier League’s statement on how international transfers will work in this brave new world. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "Nothing Lasts Forever," 4 Dec. 2020 This is the throwaway society that Pope Francis frequently talks about. — Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, "A Revolution in Care for Our Elderly," 30 Nov. 2020 Leff turns such throwaway items into lacy keepsakes, or adds simulated bites and cracks to disposable dishes. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, "In the galleries: Referencing the revered Washington colorists and beyond," 6 Nov. 2020 So could, in fact, a government crackdown on throwaway emails be an easy way to score some carbon policy points? — Tim Mcdonnell, Quartz, "Don’t worry about the carbon footprint of your emails," 25 Nov. 2020 Pinson was acquired in a throwaway trade for Allonzo Trier. — Stefan Bondy, courant.com, "A day after NBA draft, Knicks’ Leon Rose dumps half the roster and creates $40M in cap space," 19 Nov. 2020

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