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

There were also fears that younger generations viewed going to theaters as hopelessly outdated — a throwback to a time before thousands of movies and shows could be accessed on demand from home. — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 July 2026

The Coyote has changed hands a couple of times, but remains a throwback. — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Wear them barefoot or with white crew socks for an even stronger throwback vibe. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 13 July 2026

David posted a tribute marking the occasion on Instagram, showing throwbacks of her as a baby and in recent years. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 12 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