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 of classical

• traditional
• customary
• conventional

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

From a distance, the scenes seemed like classical interpretations of the Stations, but on closer inspection things became a little stranger. —Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

What Treacy’s channeled is a certain Anglo fifties chic—think Elizabeth David and Princess Margaret with just a teaspoon of Sputnik, which is to say postwar whimsy with strong classical roots. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026

Elsewhere, Jefferson advocated for modeling the young nation’s government architecture on the classical tradition, due to its associations with ancient Greek and Roman democracy. —Kevin D. Murphy, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026

San Francisco’s Jonathan Carver Moore is offering small pieces by Demond Melancon representing colorful masks that recall classical African examples, created in glass beads and rhinestones on canvas, priced at $8,000. —Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 10 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for classical

• neoclassical
• semiclassical
• nonclassical

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