traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce traditional (audio)
Synonyms of traditional
1
: of or relating to tradition : consisting of or derived from tradition
a traditional celebration
2
: handed down from age to age
traditional history
traditional songs/stories
3
: following or conforming to tradition : adhering to past practices or established conventions
traditional morality
traditional values/beliefs
employing traditional methods of cooking
traditionally adverb
a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar
a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage
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.
The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others. Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026 The neighborhood/area Bilbao has an industrial character that is both more modern and more traditional than its popular counterpart, San Sebastián, and the Artist sits in the revitalized upper edge of the Abando District. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026 Kearns returns as Alice Benally, Emma Leaphorn’s (Deanna Allison) mother, an elder who helps Emma prepare for Bernadette and Chee’s (Kiowa Gordon) traditional Navajo wedding. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 June 2026 Roundabouts reduce the risk of severe accidents, improve traffic flow and are better for the environment compared to traditional intersections with stop signs or stoplights. Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for traditional

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditional was in 1545

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective
tra·​di·​tion·​al
trə-ˈdish-nəl
-ən-ᵊl
1
: handed down from age to age without writing
2
: based on custom
our traditional Thanksgiving dinner
traditionally
adverb

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