throw-in

1 of 2

noun

1
: an act or instance of throwing a ball in: such as
a
: a throw made from the touchline in soccer to put the ball back in play after it has gone into touch
b
: a throw from an outfielder to the infield in baseball
c
: an inbounds pass in basketball
2
: something added as a bonus or supplement

throw in

2 of 2

verb

threw in; thrown in; throwing in; throws in

transitive verb

1
: to add as a gratuity or supplement
2
: to introduce or interject in the course of something : contribute
they throw in some … sound effects on several songsTom Phillips
3
4
: engage
throw in the clutch

intransitive verb

: to enter into association or partnership : join
agrees to throw in with a crooked ex-copNewsweek
Phrases
throw in the towel or less commonly throw in the sponge
: to abandon a struggle or contest : acknowledge defeat : give up

Examples of throw-in in a Sentence

Noun anyone who buys a book today will get a bookmark as a throw-in
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Between Bellinger, superstar Aaron Judge, and Trent Grisham, who arrived as a throw-in in the Soto trade the Yankees made with the San Diego Padres, the outfield has thrived all year. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Sep. 2025 Villa conceded a long throw-in after Mings and Torres combined to pass and then miscontrolled the ball out of play. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
It was shot in the Hancock Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, with a little bit of winter thrown in for the vibes, of course. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025 Set a simple bench against an exterior wall or railing, then layer it with pillows and throws in weather-resistant fabrics. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for throw-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1678, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of throw-in was in 1678

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Cite this Entry

“Throw-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/throw-in. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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