classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈkla-si-kəl 

1

: standard, classic

2

a

: of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals

classical civilization

b

: versed in the classics

a classical scholar

3

a

: of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation

b

: of, relating to, or being music in the educated European tradition that includes such forms as art song, chamber music, opera, and symphony as distinguished from folk or popular music or jazz

4

a

: authoritative, traditional

b(1)

: of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times

classical Mendelian genetics

(2)

: not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory

classical physics

c

: conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech

5

: concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science

a classical curriculum

Synonyms

• conventional
• customary
• prescriptive
• traditional

Examples of classical in a Sentence

the classical preparation of a ham for Easter

a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to launching his wildly successful musical career, Peck studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and worked in classical theater on London’s West End. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025

For a movie that looks so remarkably good – from the oppressive, classical set design to the astounding lighting work – Ash's (Rook this time around) uncanny comeback was a noticeable exception. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Nathalie begged me to leave Atlanta, go to Paris, learn how to cook and bake in a classical French style and then come back. —Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2025

His coy narrative voice and audacious insouciance, thinly disguised under a patina of classical Oxford education and self-deprecating wit, amuse the reader for several hundred pages. —Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin classicus

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classical

• anti-classical
• classical conditioning
• classical-liberal
• classical liberalism
• classical mechanics

Kids Definition

classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈklas-i-kəl 

1

: classic entry 1 sense 1a

2

: of or relating to the classics of literature or art

especially : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman classics

classical studies

3

: of or relating to serious music in the European tradition

4

: authoritative, traditional

5

: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies

a classical high school