throwback

[throh-bak]

noun

1. Biology.

   1. the reversion to an ancestral or earlier type or character; atavism.

   2. an individual having the characteristics of a remote ancestor or primitive type; an example of atavism.

2. a person or thing that evokes memories or imitates something from the past (often used attributively): On their anniversary, she took to social media with a throwback photo from their wedding reception.

   These chandeliers are designed as a throwback to those old-style candlelit lanterns.

   On their anniversary, she took to social media with a throwback photo from their wedding reception.

3. an act of throwing back.

   A sudden ban on fish throwbacks could harm ecosystems, since a range of predator species are reliant on discarded fish as a food source.

4. a setback or check.

throwback

/ ˈθrəʊˌbæk /

noun

1. 1. a person, animal, or plant that has the characteristics of an earlier or more primitive type

   2. a reversion to such an organism

verb

1. (intr) to revert to an earlier or more primitive type

2. to force to depend (on)

   the crisis threw her back on her faith in God

Word History and Origins

Origin of throwback¹

First recorded in 1855–60; 1915–20 throwback for def. 1; noun use of verb phrase throw back

Example Sentences

A fruity martini offers a liquid throwback, a little luxury, a signal of playfulness — and yes, a small Instagrammable escape.

Read more on Salon

Lloyd’s to this day has liveried staff called waiters, a throwback to its 1688 beginnings in Edward Lloyd’s coffeehouse close to the River Thames.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

His absolute commitment to his character — Johnson gives him room to deliver a real performance — allows this “Knives Out” to merge its throwback charms with modern provocations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His journey to cricket's summit is a throwback – a far cry from academy pathways and state under-age teams.

Read more on BBC

The language is a throwback to China’s aggressive “wolf warrior” style of diplomacy of a decade ago that Beijing had in recent years toned down.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• estate 
• gift 
• tradition