ENGLISH
REFERENCE

giveaway

n. · adj.
US //ˈɡɪvəˌweɪ// UK //ɡˈɪvɐwˌeɪ// give·away
  1. 1 a free gift or contest (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    something that is given for free, often as a prize or to promote a business.

    an item or service distributed without charge, typically for promotional purposes or as a prize in a competition.

    Example

    The radio station is having a ticket giveaway for the concert tonight.

    Example

    The marketing department organised a massive giveaway of branded merchandise to generate buzz before the product launch.

    Usage

    Often used in the context of marketing, social media contests, or radio promotions.

  2. 2 a revealing sign (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sign or detail that accidentally reveals the truth about something.

    an unintentional revelation or an obvious indicator that betrays a secret or hidden fact.

    Example

    The nervous look on his face was a dead giveaway that he was lying.

    Example

    While her voice remained steady, the slight tremor in her hands was a dead giveaway of her underlying anxiety.

    Usage

    Frequently used with the adjective 'dead' to mean 'completely obvious'.

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  1. 3 free or very cheap (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    describing something that is given for free or sold at a very low price.

    denoting a price that is extremely low or a product that is provided at no cost; typically used in an attributive position.

    Example

    They are selling the old furniture at giveaway prices just to get rid of it.

    Example

    The company offered giveaway rates on their older software versions to encourage users to migrate to the new platform.

    Usage

    Almost always used before a noun, especially 'price' or 'rate'.

Origin

Deverbal from give away.

Idioms1 entry

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