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
Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
The building is something of a throwback in a suburban area that was transformed through development from being a riverfront farming area.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
The clubhouse at Arrowhead felt like a throwback to 2019.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
Learn more about the couple’s journey to the altar, more on how the day came together, and what the future holds in this week’s (throwback) Bridal Bliss.
—Essence, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for throwback
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Noun
In an era when stand-up comedy can veer into confessional storytelling, Katz is a bit of a throwback.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2025
The building is something of a throwback in a suburban area that was transformed through development from being a riverfront farming area.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025
The clubhouse at Arrowhead felt like a throwback to 2019.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2025
Learn more about the couple’s journey to the altar, more on how the day came together, and what the future holds in this week’s (throwback) Bridal Bliss.
—Essence, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for throwback
Cite this Entry
“Throwback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throwback. Accessed 23 Jul. 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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