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

Catcher Brett Sullivan’s back-pick got away from Trenton Brooks at first base and minor leaguer Jake Snider’s throw back into the infield from right field was also errant. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025

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

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