# throwback

/ˈθɹoʊˌbæk/ (US) · /θɹˈəʊbæk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/throwback
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

something that reminds you of the past or looks like an older style. You use it when a person, song, or fashion choice feels like it belongs to an earlier time.

For teachers: a person or thing that is similar to someone or something from the past; a reversion to an earlier type or characteristic. Often used in casual contexts to describe nostalgic media or fashion.

## Examples

- That old leather jacket is a total throwback.
- The band's new album is a deliberate throwback to the synth-pop sound of the 1980s.
- While the architecture of the new library is modern, the interior wood paneling serves as a charming throwback to the original Victorian building that once stood on the site.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier in the phrase 'throwback Thursday' or followed by the preposition 'to'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.