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Thrower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thrower

[ˈθrəʊər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A person who throws or is skilled at throwing objects, typically in a sport such as baseball, football, or track and field.

Synonyms

hurler, pitcher, tosser.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thrower

Used in general situations where someone throws something. It can be applied to a variety of throwing activities.

  • The thrower aimed carefully and launched the ball into the hoop.
  • In the game, each thrower had to pass the ball quickly to their teammates.
pitcher

Specifically refers to the player in baseball who throws the ball to the batter.

  • The pitcher stepped up to the mound, ready to throw the next pitch.
  • He trained for years to become the best pitcher in the league.
hurler

Typically used in sports, especially in cricket or baseball, to describe someone who throws the ball.

  • The hurler's fastball was nearly impossible to hit.
  • As a hurler, she perfected her pitching form over the years.
tosser

Usually used in informal or conversational English. Sometimes has a negative or derogatory connotation when referring to people.

  • He was known as a great tosser in the office games.
  • Despite his skill, some called him a tosser, hinting at his unpredictable behavior.

Examples of usage

  • The thrower launched the discus into the air.
  • She is a talented javelin thrower.
Context #2 | Noun

kitchen

A utensil used for throwing or tossing ingredients while cooking, such as a salad thrower or pancake thrower.

Synonyms

mixing tool, tossing utensil.

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Word Description / Examples
thrower

Same as the first entry, used to refer to someone or something that throws.

  • The child is a good thrower of the frisbee
tossing utensil

Refers to a kitchen tool primarily used to toss salads or other food items. This term is less formal and more specific to a culinary context.

  • Grab the tossing utensil to mix the salad
  • The chef used a tossing utensil to evenly distribute the dressing
mixing tool

Refers to a tool used in cooking or laboratory settings to mix ingredients or substances together.

  • Use a whisk as a mixing tool for this recipe
  • The chemist carefully selected the right mixing tool for the experiment

Examples of usage

  • She used the thrower to mix the salad ingredients.
  • The chef skillfully used the pancake thrower to flip the pancakes.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A device or mechanism designed to propel or throw objects, such as a stone thrower or a water balloon thrower.

Synonyms

catapult, launcher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thrower

Typically used in a general or casual context when referring to a person or device that throws objects without specifying the type or mechanism.

  • He is a great thrower and always wins in the beanbag toss game.
  • The softball thrower warmed up before the game.
launcher

Often used in a technical or military context to describe a device that launches missiles, rockets, or other projectiles.

  • The missile launcher was positioned on the hill for a clear shot.
  • The toy rocket launcher made a great gift for his birthday.
catapult

Usually refers to a historical or medieval device used to launch projectiles or in a metaphorical sense to describe rapid movement or advancement.

  • The castle walls were under heavy attack from the enemy catapults.
  • Her new book catapulted her to fame overnight.

Examples of usage

  • The stone thrower launched rocks at a great distance.
  • The water balloon thrower made the summer party more exciting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In baseball, a thrower is often referred to as a pitcher, who throws the ball to the batter.
  • Athletics includes events like the javelin and discus throw, where competitors aim for distance and accuracy.
  • The term is also present in American football, where the quarterback is seen as a thrower when passing the ball to teammates.

Psychology

  • Throwing can also serve as a stress relief activity – physically releasing a ball can metaphorically symbolize letting go of worries.
  • Research shows that activities involving throwing improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
  • Engaging in play that involves throwing can foster teamwork and communication among children, enhancing social skills.

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures have traditional throwing games that serve as entertainment and skill demonstrations, such as the 'stone put' in Scotland.
  • In some communities, festivals feature competitions where throwing objects is central to the celebrations, showcasing strength and skill.
  • Throwing is also symbolic in many rituals – for instance, tossing rice during weddings represents prosperity and fertility.

Literature and Language

  • The action of throwing is often depicted in literature as a dramatic moment, symbolizing conflict or change.
  • In language, the metaphor 'throwing caution to the wind' means to act without worrying about danger or consequences.
  • Throwing objects can serve as a powerful image in poetry, representing the tension between letting go and holding on.

Origin of 'thrower'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'throw' comes from Old English 'thrawan', which means to twist or turn.
  • Adding '-er' to verbs in English often indicates a person who performs that action, like 'teacher' for someone who teaches.
  • The concept of throwing can be linked to ancient tools and sports, where throwing was essential for hunting and competition.

The word 'thrower' has its origins in Old English, where it was derived from the verb 'throw'. The term has been in use for centuries, evolving to describe individuals skilled at throwing objects in various contexts. From sports to cooking to machinery, 'thrower' has become a versatile term to denote both people and tools involved in the act of throwing.

See also: overthrow, throw, throwaway, throwback, throwing, underthrow.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,515, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.