Definition of classic
1a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value classic literary works a classic case study on hysteriab : traditional, enduring classic designsc : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year a classic suit
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
3a : historically memorable a classic battleb : noted because of special literary or historical associations Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
4a : authentic, authoritative a classic study of eyewitness accountsb : typical a classic example of chicanery a classic error
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900
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Examples of classic in a sentence
She prefers classic furniture designs.
It's a classic suit that won't go out of style.
I like the car's classic contours.
The battle was a classic example of poor planning.
Origin and Etymology of classic
French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis —see 1class
First Known Use: 1597
Other Literature Terms
classic
Definition of classic
1 : a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome studied the classics in college
2a : a work of enduring excellence His manual of biology has become a classic among scientists.; also : its author He had already become a classic many years before his death.b : an authoritative source
3 : a typical or perfect example His march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance.
4 : a traditional event a football classic
Examples of classic in a sentence
That car is a classic.
I like to read the classics.
He teaches classics at the local university.
She studied classics in college.
an interest in the classics
The football game is a Thanksgiving classic.
1684
First Known Use of classic
1684
Other Literature Terms
CLASSIC Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of classic for English Language Learners
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—used to say that something has come to be considered one of the best of its kind
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—used to say that something is an example of excellence
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—used to describe something that has been popular for a long time
classic
Definition of classic for English Language Learners
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: something that has been considered to be excellent for a long time
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classics : the study of the literature, language, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome
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: a traditional event
CLASSIC Defined for Kids
Definition of classic for Students
1 : serving as a model of the best of its kind It's a classic story for children.
2 : fashionable year after year a classic style
3 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture classic sculptures
4 : being typical of its kind a classic mistake
Definition of classic for Students
1 : a written work or author of ancient Greece or Rome
2 : a great work of art a classic of literature
3 : something long regarded as outstanding of its kind a classic car
Medical Dictionary
classic
playMedical Definition of classic
: standard or recognized especially because of great frequency or consistency of occurrence the classic triad of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis signaling Reiter's syndrome—Emergency Medicine
Learn More about classic
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for classic Spanish Central: Translation of classic Nglish: Translation of classic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of classic for Arabic speakers
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