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

And in the spirit of adorable, waterside throwbacks, in celebration of Sophia's 23rd birthday the proud dad shared this hilarious photo from back in the day where the Law & Order: Organized Crime actor is rocking earplugs, goggles and distinctive facial hair. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

The latest Star Wars series, titled Skeleton Crew, bills itself as a throwback to the Amblin adventure movies of yesteryear. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Verb

For example, while one person might experience headaches and vomiting after just one drink, another might throw back whiskey gingers all night and wake up feeling tired but otherwise unscathed. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024

Texas went ahead to stay when Ewers rolled to his right, then threw back left to Gunnar Helm for a 7-yard TD early in the second quarter for a 7-3 lead. —Chantz Martin, Fox News, 13 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