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. trfoll byon 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 fordef 1; noun use of verb phrase throw back

Example Sentences

He is a throwback of a player, like he is playing with his mates.

From BBC

On March 4 and 6, Disneyland is hosting a ’90s Nite, featuring throwbacks to Disney films and music from the decade, as well as processional that will highlight “The Lion King” and “Mulan.”

From Los Angeles Times

On Nov. 30, they plan to get married in downtown L.A. at Scam and Jam, a monthly throwback dance party and celebration of Chicano culture hosted at the Regent Theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Girl group Young Posse brought the throwback hip-hop vibes, while Illit brought a fantasy stage to life with unicorn themes and intricate expanded choreography to their hypnotic hit “Magnetic.”

From Los Angeles Times

With those inner gears finely tuned, the filmmakers sought a unique visual environment, a throwback artistically and a step forward technologically — one that felt human.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• estate
• gift
• tradition