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
Burning marijuana scent blown away by the old-school cool of the cigars, Ferraris and Miami Vice threads of the Florida Panthers arriving at loanDepot Park. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026 For only taking around 30 seconds, the quick dunk is worth it, proving that sometimes old-school beauty tips are just better. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2026 Adapted from the titular national treasure’s The Seven Dials Mystery by Broadchurch’s Chris Chibnall, this is a reassuringly old-school, three-part potboiler packed with witty quips and startling twists. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Jan. 2026 At this old-school SoHo institution, the white tablecloths, pressed tin ceilings, and $58 steak au poivre belie a long history of button-pushing and rule-flouting. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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