throw-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈthrō-ˌin 

1

: an act or instance of throwing a ball in: such as

a

: a throw made from the touchline in soccer to put the ball back in play after it has gone into touch

b

: a throw from an outfielder to the infield in baseball

c

: an inbounds pass in basketball

2

: something added as a bonus or supplement

throw in

2 of 2

verb

threw in; thrown in; throwing in; throws in

transitive verb

1

: to add as a gratuity or supplement

2

: to introduce or interject in the course of something : contribute

they throw in some … sound effects on several songs

—Tom Phillips

3

: distribute sense 3b

4

: engage

throw in the clutch

intransitive verb

: to enter into association or partnership : join

agrees to throw in with a crooked ex-cop

—Newsweek

Phrases

throw in the towel or less commonly throw in the sponge

: to abandon a struggle or contest : acknowledge defeat : give up

Synonyms

Noun

• bonus
• cumshaw
• dividend
• donative
• extra
• gratuity
• gravy
• gravy train
• lagniappe
• perk
• perquisite
• tip

Examples of throw-in in a Sentence

Noun

anyone who buys a book today will get a bookmark as a throw-in

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The 22 goals conceded overall from set pieces, including five from non-direct free kicks, one from a throw-in and five more from penalties, is comfortably worse than Southampton (nine) and Manchester United (10). —Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

The deal also delivered Achiuwa, who is proving to be much more than a throw-in. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Dec. 2024

Verb

The Dodgers have plenty of prospects, including pitcher Bobby Miller, to throw in a trade for Robert. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

The men are in leather pants, the women in fishnets; a couple of kilts and a giant fur coat are thrown in for good measure. —Houman Barekat, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1678, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1