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 idea is that the same design throwback oomph a pair of Nou’s vintage pumps can lend your outfit can be applied to your coffee table, too. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

This was an era defined by bold design decisions that linger today, often in the form of re-issues and throwbacks. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

Areas only just recovering from Hurricane Helene were thrown back into chaos. —Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024

As the episode progresses, so does the chaos, hitting a fever pitch when Doreen throws back several Crystal Light and vodka cocktails (a.k.a., a Sweaty Betty) and, after Loretta shows up (also thanks to Howard) sparks a jealous Doreen to start a living room brawl. —Jim Halterman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Verb

1656, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

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