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
threw back; thrown back; throwing back; throws back
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
Michael Novak3
: reflect
: to revert to an earlier type or phase
Examples of throwback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephanie Petit, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
Both film throwbacks come as part of A24’s monthly screening series with IMAX.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for throwback
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Noun
In addition to some hints about her upcoming lifestyle brand As Ever and throwbacks to her defunct blog The Tig, the pin board included some personal nods to her family — including a contribution from her 5-year-old son.
—Stephanie Petit, People.com, 21 Feb. 2025
Both film throwbacks come as part of A24’s monthly screening series with IMAX.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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
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
See All Example Sentences for throwback
Articles Related to throwback
Cite this Entry
“Throwback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throwback. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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