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

For a dazzling throwback, stay at The Roosevelt New Orleans, a 125-year-old hotel where luminaries such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra once performed in its famed supper club. —Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2024

In another Season 1 throwback, though, Cassius and his son don’t get the warmest welcome from the Beverly High crew upon their arrival. —Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 19 Dec. 2024

Verb

The star center set up Toews for a one-timer that got past Shesterkin, who threw back his head in frustration. —Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Down in Miami, these delicious bites of surf often come with turf, in a throw back to Old School continental restaurants. —Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 28 Dec. 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