classic

1 of 2

adjective

clas·​sic ˈkla-sik 

1

a

: serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value

classic literary works

a classic case study on hysteria

b

: traditional, enduring

classic designs

c

: 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

3

a

: historically memorable

a classic battle

b

: noted because of special literary or historical associations

Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates

4

a

: authentic, authoritative

a classic study of eyewitness accounts

b

: 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

classic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome

studied the classics in college

2

a

: 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

Synonyms

Adjective

• exemplary
• quintessential
• perfect
• definitive
• excellent
• unique
• superb
• archetypical
• archetypal
• paradigmatic
• model
• wonderful
• great
• terrific

Noun

• model
• idea
• example
• incarnation
• ideal

Examples of classic in a Sentence

Adjective

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.

Noun

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For the first time this season, Denver’s running back production looked like a classic Sean Payton outfit. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025

Foodies will enjoy the signature delights of the region, like Tropea onions, spicy nduja sausage spread, and the classic frozen Tartufo, made with layers of mouthwatering gelato. —Gary Portuesi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Sep. 2025

Noun

Over nine seasons, the CBS classic earned 69 Emmy nominations and won 15 — two for Outstanding Comedy Series, four for Roberts, three for Garrett, two for Heaton and one for Romano. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 1 Oct. 2025

No longer just the quintessential New England favorite or the Cali tech bro in fleece, the half zip will be spotted everywhere this fall, with so many stylish brands putting their own spin on the classic. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis — see class entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing classic

• classic case
• destined to become a classic

Rhymes for classic

• cassock
• boracic
• jurassic
• postclassic
• potassic
• preclassic
• thoracic
• cardiothoracic
• intrathoracic
• prothoracic
• transthoracic

Kids Definition

classic

1 of 2 adjective

clas·​sic ˈklas-ik 

1

a

: serving as a standard of excellence

a classic literature

b

: fashionable year after year : traditional, enduring

a classic design

2

: of or relating to the ancient Greeks or Romans or their culture

3

a

: notable as the best of its kind

a classic film

b

: notable as the most basic or typical of its kind

a classic example

classic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome

2

: a great work of art

also : its author

3

: something regarded as perfect of its kind

4

: an event that has become a tradition

a football classic

Medical Definition

classic

adjective

clas·​sic ˈklas-ik 

variants or classical

-i-kəl 

: 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