giveaway

[ giv-uh-wey ]

noun

1. an act or instance of giving something away.
2. something that is given away, especially as a gift or premium:

   A pocket calculator was offered as a giveaway with every new subscription to the magazine.

3. a radio or television program on which prizes are given away to contestants in a question-and-answer game.
4. a tax law or other legislation designed to benefit one segment of the population, one area or state, etc.:

   a giveaway that benefited only the very rich.

5. an unscrupulous deal, especially one that benefits some while defrauding others.
6. Sports. any careless loss of possession of a ball, puck, etc., or other offensive lapse that leads to a score by the opponent.

adjective

1. constituting a giveaway:

   a giveaway newspaper.

Word History and Origins

Origin of giveaway¹

1870–75, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase give away

Example Sentences

The idea of brand and cash giveaways is not a new one, of course.

From TechCrunch

We're still early in the process of selecting and notifying winners of our swag giveaway, so don't fret if you haven't heard if you're a winner yet.

From Ars Technica

When the group started the food giveaways in March, it served about 40 families, said Raleigh Miller, a volunteer.

From Washington Post

It’s a financial giveaway to the “haves” — the property owners and developers who have the real power at City Hall.

From Voice of San Diego

Given the benefits of college education, canceling student debt appears to some as a giveaway for those who are already on their way to becoming well-off.

From No Straight News

Of course, the loud buzzing of such drones and towels being blown away would have been a dead giveaway to the pool girls.

From The Daily Beast

His giveaway with 37 seconds to go in the Portugal match cost the U.S. the game and an easy trek into the next round.

From The Daily Beast

Frills were kept to a minimum, and anything in the clothes piles with the word “Princess” on it ended up in the giveaway box.

From The Daily Beast

The usual giveaway: they carry their shoulder bags with the straps across the body, leaving both hands free.

From The Daily Beast

In her hand she held a silk map of the region, given to agents to avoid the giveaway rustle of paper in pockets.

From The Daily Beast

Only his hands were a giveaway; they were stained with yellow and black stains that looked completely out of place on the man.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the way they shake whenever they come out of the mud is a giveaway—what better way to seed their crop far and wide?

From Project Gutenberg

It was a dead giveaway when Young struck both cartels simultaneously, if Hunter had read the data correctly.

From Project Gutenberg

The red sweater with the terrycloth border and the white pants with a shortened left leg were a dead giveaway.

From Project Gutenberg

Despite the tight beam, any communication could be a dead giveaway.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• allowance
• award
• benefit
• bonus
• contribution
• donation
• endowment
• favor
• grant
• legacy
• offering
• premium
• present
• relief
• reward
• souvenir
• subsidy
• tip
• tribute