give·away
ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā 
plural giveaways
1
: an unintentional revelation or betrayal
2
a
: something given away free
specifically
: premium sense 1d
b
: the act of giving something away free
staging a promotional giveaway
3
: a radio or television program on which prizes are given away
4
sports
: an error or poor play that allows an opponent to gain control of the ball or puck : a mistake that results in a turnover
As a team the Dolphins have committed a league-low 12 giveaways.—
Jim Trotter
Jim Trotter
gave away; given away; giving away; gives away
1
: to make a present of
2
: to deliver (a bride) ceremonially to the bridegroom at a wedding
4
: to give (something, such as weight) by way of a handicap
Examples of giveaway in a Sentence
Noun
The way she looked at him was a dead giveaway that they were more than just friends.
The store is offering coffee mugs as free giveaways to attract new customers.
The store is staging a promotional giveaway to attract new customers.
Verb
the insincerity of his apology was given away by that slight smirk on his face
gave away all her potted plants when she moved
Recent Examples on the Web
Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
If the sounds weren't a giveaway, then her body language certainly is.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Moná Thomas, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
As an annual tradition, since 2022, Drake has given away free chicken sandwiches on his birthday, and announces the giveaway to his approximately 144 million followers on Instagram.
—Shimite Obialo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for giveaway
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
Sacramento scored just 16 points off Phoenix’s 14 giveaways.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
If the sounds weren't a giveaway, then her body language certainly is.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
To celebrate, Ore Ida is giving away free tater tots nationwide during the game, from tip-off to final buzzer, which is approximately four hours.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
As an annual tradition, since 2022, Drake has given away free chicken sandwiches on his birthday, and announces the giveaway to his approximately 144 million followers on Instagram.
—Shimite Obialo, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for giveaway
Cite this Entry
“Giveaway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giveaway. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
giveaway
1 of 2 noun
give·away
ˈgiv-ə-ˌwā
1
: an unintentional act of revealing or betraying
his expression was a dead giveaway of his guilt
2
: something that is given away free
3
: an event at which things are given away
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share