old-school

1 of 2

adjective

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
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
Alexander Executive Search’s sourcing is direct and old-school. William Jones, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025 Between its old-school stealth-action gameplay and engaging spy-thriller story, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater largely succeeds as a faithful, visually impressive remake of the 2004 classic. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 Even as old-school diners close, taking their nostalgic railroad car facades and bitter-as-bark coffee with them, chefs are revitalizing the genre with an eye for thoughtful sourcing and reimagined breakfast plates. Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Half-hour comedy Rode Hard will follow American ranchers who end up in the middle of a small Polish village, teaching a group of mostly female locals old-school cowboy skills and shaking up tradition along the way. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!