old-school

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of old-schoolnext
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

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
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Adjective
The Alien Tourist figure — outfitted in a floral shirt, red shorts, aqua hat and big old-school camera — takes snaps of a green and antennaed alien family. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026 Dining critic Rachel Bernhard curated this list of the city's most romantic restaurants, from cozy and casual to old-school opulence. Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 4 Feb. 2026 His no-nonsense, old-school approach would represent a shift from the Vikings’ recent history. Alec Lewis, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Sister styling duo and pop-star whisperers Chloe and Chenelle Delgadillo kept the old-school glam going with McRae’s accessories. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-school

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-school was in 1749

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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