Giveaway
/ˈɡɪveɪˌweɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn event where something is given away for free, often as a promotion.
/ˈɡɪveɪˌweɪ/
An event or promotion where items are distributed for free.
The grand prize of the giveaway was a trip to Hawaii.
💡 Simply: A 'giveaway' is when someone is giving stuff away for free. Like when a store is having a contest and the winner gets a free prize!
👶 For kids: A giveaway is when someone gives you a free toy or prize!
More Examples
I entered the giveaway hoping to win a new laptop.
The radio station held a giveaway for concert tickets.
How It's Used
"The company is hosting a giveaway to promote their new product."
"We're doing a giveaway on Instagram – follow and tag a friend to enter!"
An unintentional disclosure of information or a careless act that results in a loss or disadvantage.
/ˈɡɪveɪˌweɪ/
An unintentional disclosure or loss.
A careless mistake in the design was a giveaway to the project's true scope.
💡 Simply: A 'giveaway' in this sense is like a mistake that reveals something you didn't want to reveal, or something you lose without meaning to. Like, if your code has a 'giveaway' of a security vulnerability
👶 For kids: Oops! A giveaway is when you lose or accidentally tell a secret.
More Examples
The detective noticed a small detail that was a giveaway to the suspect's motive.
The fumble was a crucial giveaway that changed the course of the game.
How It's Used
"A password reset vulnerability was a critical giveaway that led to a breach."
"A turnover was a crucial giveaway that cost the team the game."
Idioms & expressions
give away the store
To sell or offer goods or services at excessively low prices, or to be very generous or overly accommodating.
"They are practically giving away the store with these discounts."
give away secrets
To reveal confidential information.
"He accidentally gave away the secrets to his friend."
From 'give' + 'away,' reflecting the action of distributing something free of charge.
The term has been used since the late 19th century and early 20th century, though its usage has increased in recent years especially due to online marketing.
Memory tip
Think of giving something *away* for free as a *giveaway* event.