give·away
ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā 
plural giveaways
1
: an unintentional revelation or betrayal
2
a
: something given away free
specifically
: premium sense 1d
b
: the act of giving something away free
staging a promotional giveaway
3
: a radio or television program on which prizes are given away
4
sports
: an error or poor play that allows an opponent to gain control of the ball or puck : a mistake that results in a turnover
As a team the Dolphins have committed a league-low 12 giveaways.—
Jim Trotter
Jim Trotter
gave away; given away; giving away; gives away
1
: to make a present of
2
: to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding
4
: to give (something, such as weight) by way of a handicap
Synonyms
Examples of giveaway in a Sentence
Noun
The way she looked at him was a dead giveaway that they were more than just friends.
The store is offering coffee mugs as free giveaways to attract new customers.
The store is staging a promotional giveaway to attract new customers.
Verb
the insincerity of his apology was given away by that slight smirk on his face
gave away all her potted plants when she moved
Recent Examples on the WebMary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Yet there is a real price tag for all these tax giveaways.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Maggie Horton, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
One of her favorite scouting projects was giving away homemade masks to people who couldn't afford them during COVID-19.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for giveaway 
Noun
Voters qualify for the giveaway by signing the petition that calls for support of free speech and the right to bear arms, but does not make any other specific call to action.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Yet there is a real price tag for all these tax giveaways.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
Spread the joy and give away the tins as a gift, or keep one on display in your kitchen filled with seasonal sweets.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
One of her favorite scouting projects was giving away homemade masks to people who couldn't afford them during COVID-19.
—Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for giveaway
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'giveaway.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near giveaway
Cite this Entry
“Giveaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveaway. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
giveaway
1 of 2 noun
give·away
ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā
1
: an unintentional act of revealing or betraying
his expression was a dead giveaway of his guilt
2
: something that is given away free
3
: an event at which things are given away
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share