old-school

1 of 2

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˌskül 

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

old school

2 of 2

noun

: adherents of traditional policies and practices

Synonyms of old-school

Adjective

• vintage
• retro
• antique
• traditional
• antiquated
• old-time
• historical
• historic

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

Adjective

Rather than old-school bands or duets everywhere, solo entertainers play sax, piano, and electric violin in multiple lounges. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Tech-forward touches, including a 24/7 text concierge, meet old-school perks, like a record player delivered to my room. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Now, even when just 16 of the NHL’s 32 teams make the playoffs, that old-school thinking still applies. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2026

Dimon also said that while advanced AI tools are important, old-school cybersecurity practices remain essential. —Hugh Son, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for old-school

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• whirlpool