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

These guys are legit, even if maybe their sound – a unique blend of rock, jazz, nu-jazz, electronica and classical music – is not for everyone. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 12 June 2024

It was released on Deutsche Grammophon, the oldest and most prestigious classical record label in the world. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024

Joshua Barone is the assistant classical music and dance editor on the Culture Desk and a contributing classical music critic. —Joshua Barone, New York Times, 11 June 2024

Peruse the works of local and regional artists in its upper-level Hayloft Gallery, partake in classes ranging from stained glass to painting, or attend a night of classical music as part of the center’s annual concert series. —Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin classicus

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classical

• anti-classical
• classical conditioning
• 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