throw
throh
Throw (verb) means to send an object through the air using force from your hand or arm. Example: “Could you throw me that towel before the water spills everywhere?”
verb
1
To send an object through the air using force from your hand or arm.
"Could you throw me that towel before the water spills everywhere?"
"He threw the ball to first base."
"She threw her keys onto the table."
2
To put someone or something suddenly into a particular state or place.
"The sudden power cut threw the whole street into darkness."
"A single rude question threw him off balance during the interview."
"The news threw the office into chaos."
3
To organize a party or event.
"We are throwing a small leaving party for our teacher on Friday."
"Do you fancy throwing a barbecue for the neighbours this summer?"
"They threw a huge party for her fortieth birthday."
noun
1
An act of throwing, or a light blanket used as decoration or extra warmth.
"The dog raced across the park to fetch the next throw."
"That was a great throw from the outfield."
"She added a soft throw to the end of the sofa."
How to use throw
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo send something through the air with force, or (as a noun) that act, or a decorative blanket.
Common pairings
throw a party
throw a ball
throw a punch
throw blanket
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Word forms
- Plural
- throws
- Third person singular
- throws
- Past tense
- threw, throwed, thrown, thrun
- Archaic forms
- throwest, threwst, throweth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Could you _____ me that towel before the water spills everywhere?
Etymology
From Old English þrāwan, originally meaning "to twist" or "to turn" — it came to mean hurling an object only in Middle English.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for throw
See all rhymes for throw →Frequently asked questions
What does “throw” mean?
The word “throw” means to send an object through the air using force from your hand or arm. In plain terms, to send something through the air with force, or (as a noun) that act, or a decorative blanket.
How do you pronounce “throw”?
“Throw” is pronounced throh (/θɹoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “throw” in a sentence?
Here is “throw” used in a sentence: “That was a great throw from the outfield.”
What is another word for “throw”?
Words with a similar meaning to “throw” include bung, cast, chuck, chunk, cook and dash.
What is the opposite of “throw”?
The opposite of “throw” — its antonyms — is catch.
What part of speech is “throw”?
Depending on how it is used, “throw” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “throw” come from?
The word “throw” comes from Old English. From Old English þrāwan, originally meaning "to twist" or "to turn" — it came to mean hurling an object only in Middle English.
Is “throw” a common word?
“Throw” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between throw and toss?
Both mean to send something through the air, but toss suggests a lighter, gentler, more casual motion — you toss a coin or toss keys across a room. Throw is the general word and can involve much more force and aim, as when you throw a ball hard. Toss is basically a soft throw.
What is the past tense of throw?
Throw is an irregular verb. The simple past tense is threw — 'she threw the ball yesterday.' The past participle, used with has, have, or had, is thrown — 'he has thrown it away.' Take care not to write 'throwed', which is non-standard, or to confuse threw with the word through.
What is the opposite of throw?
The clearest opposite is catch — one person throws, another catches. Depending on context you might also say drop, which is releasing without force, or hold and keep, meaning not to send something away at all. When throw means to discard, the opposite is to keep or retain.
What is an example of throwing?
Typical examples are throwing a ball to a teammate, throwing a stick for a dog, or throwing a dart at a board. Beyond sport, you might throw a crumpled note into a bin. Each involves using force from the hand or arm to send an object through the air.
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