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

Indeed, the anime is a throwback to the days where Goku used to channel Jackie Chan, using plates and chairs to fight opponents larger than himself with delightful yet stunning action animation. —Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025

Korshak, the silver-haired, glamorous founder of Margie Korshak Inc. public relations and marketing agency, long resident in what was the John Hancock Center, was a throwback to old Chicago. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025

Verb

He’s thrown back into his assassin past when Rose, his vengeful former partner-in-crime, played by Ariana DeBose, re-emerges. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2025

More News: Kasey Kahne Speaks Out On NASCAR Return After Shock RCR Announcement The upcoming revival of 'Malcolm in the Middle' will be a limited four-episode run on Disney+, focusing on Malcolm and his daughter being thrown back into family chaos for Hal and Lois's 40th wedding anniversary party. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 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