throwback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “throwback” mean?
A person or thing that is similar to something from an earlier time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that is similar to something from an earlier time; a reversion to an earlier type or characteristic.
A nostalgic reference or tribute to something from the past, often in media, fashion, or culture. Can also refer to a biological atavism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both use it similarly in nostalgic and biological contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more common in American media/culture discussions, but well-established in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “throwback” in a Sentence
a throwback to [era/thing]be a throwbackconsider something a throwbackVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “throwback” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A – not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- They organised a throwback night at the pub, playing 80s music.
American English
- She wore a throwback jersey to the basketball game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a marketing campaign using retro themes.
Academic
Used in biology (atavism), history, cultural studies.
Everyday
Common in discussions of fashion, music, film, and personal nostalgia.
Technical
In biology: an organism showing characteristics of a remote ancestor.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “throwback”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “throwback”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “throwback”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It throwbacks to...' – incorrect). It is primarily a noun. Confusing it with 'flashback' (which is more about sudden memory).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in modern standard English, 'throwback' is not used as a verb. The phrasal verb is 'throw back' (separate words).
A popular social media trend where people post old photos or memories on Thursdays, often tagged #TBT.
A 'flashback' is a sudden, vivid memory or scene in a narrative that returns to an earlier time. A 'throwback' is a thing or person that is reminiscent of the past.
It is usually neutral or positive, expressing nostalgia. It can be slightly negative if implying something is outdated or regressive.
A person or thing that is similar to something from an earlier time.
Throwback is usually informal to neutral in register.
Throwback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθrəʊbæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθroʊbæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Throwback Thursday (social media trend)”
- “a living throwback”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
THROW your mind BACK in time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS SPACE (looking/moving backward in time).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'throwback' used CORRECTLY?