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 post included a smiling throwback photo of Cliff, a reminder of the deep roots the two shared inside Jamaica’s music history. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 25 Nov. 2025

Though dated in an age of instant digital gratification, the old-school technology maintains some persistent throwback popularity thanks to booths like Old Friend — which offers four flashes and four images, in three minute — attracting people of all kinds. —Lex Goldstein, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

The Chiefs’ 23-20 win over the Colts on Sunday was a throwback of sorts. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Nov. 2025

Advertisement Former House Speaker John Boehner and former Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, too, were in the crowd that was an unmistakable throwback to yesteryear. —Philip Elliott, Time, 20 Nov. 2025

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
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

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