traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl 

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

Synonyms of traditional

• customary
• conventional
• classical
• usual
• historical

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

TheBBC Player on-demand services can bridge the traditional and the new, providing a streaming service that can sit next to regular channels. — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

The traditional group photo was ultimately taken without the Russian delegation after European officials protested. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

The filmmakers also had to find the right approach to Lilypad, the tablet threatening Bonnie’s attachment to traditional toys. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Instead of the traditional avocado, Pittol makes the pistachio-green Venezuelan condiment with labneh, aji amarillo paste and plenty of fresh herbs. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing traditional

• anti-traditional
• go/take the traditional route

Rhymes for traditional

• additional
• conditional
• nutritional
• positional
• transitional
• volitional
• compositional
• definitional
• depositional
• dispositional
• intuitional
• nontraditional

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

-ē

adverb