1
: adhering to traditional policies or practices
an old-school coach
2
: characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form
old-school music
: adherents of traditional policies and practices
Examples of old-school in a Sentence
Adjective
an old-school romantic comedy in which the two leads don't jump into bed at the first opportunity
an old-school gentleman who opened doors and pulled out chairs for women
Recent Examples on the Web
Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2026
Inside, checkered floors, an old-school jukebox, and wraparound booths add to the atmosphere.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
Natanya complicates her old-school character sketch with cerebral shifts in perspective, affecting each of the voices that accompany a young woman’s drive for success and independence (demanding friends and parents, sexist expectations, her own willpower) in a lurching cascade of melodies.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
It was last renovated in the 1990s by Andrés Balazs, who gave it a more contemporary feel without eliminating old-school charms.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for old-school
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.
Adjective
An old-school look with no gloves or accessories, Bailey turns his unassuming aura to chaos and athleticism around the edge as the class’ top producer in sacks and tackles for loss from 2025.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Jan. 2026
Inside, checkered floors, an old-school jukebox, and wraparound booths add to the atmosphere.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026
Natanya complicates her old-school character sketch with cerebral shifts in perspective, affecting each of the voices that accompany a young woman’s drive for success and independence (demanding friends and parents, sexist expectations, her own willpower) in a lurching cascade of melodies.
—H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 13 Jan. 2026
It was last renovated in the 1990s by Andrés Balazs, who gave it a more contemporary feel without eliminating old-school charms.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for old-school
Cite this Entry
“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
