throwback
Americannoun
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throwbacks
plural
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Biology.
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the reversion to an ancestral or earlier type or character; atavism.
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an individual having the characteristics of a remote ancestor or primitive type; an example of atavism.
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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.
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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.
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a setback or check.
noun
verb
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(intr) to revert to an earlier or more primitive type
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to force to depend (on)
the crisis threw her back on her faith in God
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of throwback
First recorded in 1855–60; 1915–20 throwback for def. 1; noun use of verb phrase throw back
Explanation
A return to an older way of doing something—or an old characteristic that reappears—is a throwback. If you like dressing in bell bottoms and leisure suits, your style is a throwback to the 1970s. The noun throwback can be a less-formal way to say atavism. Both words describe a reversion to something that was done (or existed) in the past. If you have red hair like your great-grandmother, you can call that trait a throwback. In sports, a throwback uniform is one that mimics an older style, worn by teams in the past. In biology, a throwback is a trait that returns after having been lost through evolution.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
A throwback innings continued as he left well throughout day two, largely scoring square or behind the wicket.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
One of the book’s less convincing claims is that the band is best understood as a throwback to early ’90s acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
Nike has been trying to sell off casual throwback sneakers, like Dunks and Air Force 1s, that have fallen out of style.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026
Slate was one of the first news outlets I read regularly, so I’m really enjoying the birthday throwback.
From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2026
As Ms. McMillan disappeared through a door at the rear of the room, Candice wondered what had happened to her throwback Hank Aaron jersey she always wore to baseball games.
From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson
"But now 2010s throwbacks coupled with a modern twist are seeing huge appetite across the market," says Russell.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
Without them, dealers are left pushing aging designs while automakers race to churn out new models—meanwhile using retro throwbacks, special editions and six-figure status symbols to keep buyers coming.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
Or the yellow Formica kitchen, with its Pyrex hot plate, wall-mounted radio, original Eames barstools and drop-leaf dining table still intact — all charming throwbacks to a simpler time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2025
Her paintings contain visual throwbacks to the gilding and draperies of Renaissance paintings, yet also represent stars from films and pop culture.
From New York Times ● Mar. 20, 2024
The apartment-house will probably prove stronger than these throwbacks.
From Your United States Impressions of a first visit by Arnold Bennett
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