classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈkla-sə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce classicism (audio)
1
a
: the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
b
: classical scholarship
c
: a classical idiom or expression
2
: adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid

Examples of classicism in a Sentence

a return to classicism in modern architecture the classicism of the building
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The striking photography from cinematographer Lol Crawley suggests themes of modernity versus classicism — the waters of the Statue of Liberty, the majestic quarries of Carrara, Italy — but a sensual magnetism seeps into the visual style as well. Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024 Related Articles During an interview, Eiseman played up how browns have been gaining traction with fashion designers beyond the classicism that they are known for. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024 Devoted to the contrapuntal wonders of Bach, the classicism of Mozart and the astonishment of Beethoven, Schoenberg began his career by mending the major divide of his own early years, that of Wagner the futurist and Brahms the keeper of tradition. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 These pictures offer a unique and captivating blend of classicism and modernism. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for classicism 

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of classicism was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near classicism

Cite this Entry

“Classicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classicism. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

classicism

noun
clas·​si·​cism ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce classicism (audio)
1
: the principles or style of the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome
2
: a following of the standards of tradition (as in music or art)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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