WordGarden.iothrow
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /θrˈəʊ/
US
- /ˈθroʊ/
Meanings
Verb
to send something through the air with the hand or with force
to put someone or something suddenly into a state such as confusion, disorder, or surprise
to deliberately lose a game, contest, or similar event
Noun
an act or attempt of throwing something, especially in sports
a small blanket or decorative covering used on a sofa, chair, or bed
Beyond the definition
To throw usually means to send something through the air with your hand or arm. You might throw a ball to a friend or throw away old trash. But "throw" is not only about moving objects. We also throw parties, throw shade, and throw our hands up when we feel frustrated. A baseball pitcher throws a fastball, while a cook might throw together a quick meal. The meaning changes with the situation, so this is a very flexible everyday word.
The word "throw" is surprisingly versatile. At its core, it means to send something through the air using your hand or arm. Think of throwing a frisbee, a baseball, or even a tantrum in a figurative sense. For example: "She threw the keys across the room in anger."
However, "throw" extends far beyond physical actions. We use it in many idiomatic expressions. To throw a party means to host one; to throw shade is to subtly insult someone; and to throw caution to the wind means to act recklessly. You can even throw money at a problem, meaning you try to solve it by spending a lot of funds, though not necessarily effectively.
"Throw" also appears in phrases describing quick creation or assembly: "He threw together a salad for lunch." It can also indicate removal or dismissal: "I'm going to throw out these old shoes." It can even describe the result in a game of dice: "The player threw a seven."
Historically, "throw" comes from Old English roots meaning to twist or turn. While we don't often think about twisting when we toss a ball, that original sense of motion is still at the heart of this dynamic and widely used word.
So, whether you're launching an object, hosting a celebration, expressing disapproval, or simply getting rid of something unwanted, "throw" encompasses a wide range of actions and expressions—making it a truly powerful little word.
Examples
- 1
Ball movement
She threw the ball back to me.
- 2
Hitting direction
He threw a pillow at his brother and ran out of the room.
- Patternthrow + object + at + person
send something in someone's direction, often to hit
- 3
Casual action
She threw her bag on the sofa and sat down.
- 4
Clothing
I threw on a sweater before I went outside.
- Phrasethrow on
put on quickly
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Hosting
They're throwing a party for Leo on Saturday.
- Phrasethrow a party
organize and host a party
- 6
Cleaning up
We should throw away these old magazines after we move.
- 7
Suggestions
At the meeting, she threw out a few ideas for the new website.
- Phrasethrow out an idea
say it as a suggestion
- 8
Confusion
The unexpected question threw me for a moment.
- 9
Scheduling
A last-minute delay threw our whole schedule off.
- Patternthrow + plan/schedule + off
disturb it or make it go wrong
- 10
Effort
After she joined the team, she threw herself into the work.
- Patternthrow yourself into + activity
do it with a lot of energy
- 11
Hospitality
The hotel threw in breakfast at no extra charge.
- Phrasethrow in
add something extra, often for free
- 12
Physical reaction
The smell made him throw up.
- Phrasethrow up
vomit
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- thrownounverb
Forms
- threwpast tenseverbnoun
- throwing-ing formverbnoun
- thrownpast participleverbnoun
- throwspluralnounverb