classic

adjective

clas·sic | \ ˈkla-sik

Definition of classic

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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

3a : historically memorable a classic battle

b : noted because of special literary or historical associations Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates

4a : 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

noun

Definition of classic (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about classic

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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

With her black bow headband and lavender hair, Williams looked like the perfect mix of both classic and modern beauty. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Nathalie Emmanuel and Maisie Williams Both Wore the Urban Decay Game of Thrones Collab," 4 Apr. 2019 Keep finishes classic and durable: The white GRIMSLÖV doors have a foil-finish that’s impact-resistant, while black counters help hide stains. — Jessica Dailey, Good Housekeeping, "Your Style," 11 Feb. 2019 Originally inspired by Audrey Hepburn, the style is classic and timeless, just like Meghan. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Here's Why People Are Copying Meghan Markle's Eyebrows," 27 Jan. 2019 The nude background gives this look a modern, minimal edge A very classic and chic take on the constellation theme. — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, "Astrology Nails Are Blowing Up on Instagram," 27 Sep. 2018 The newlyweds later headed off in style to their 200-person evening reception at Frogmore House, riding to the party in a classic car. — Zoe Szathmary, Fox News, "Meghan Markle's Stella McCartney reception dress won't be part of royal wedding exhibit, report says," 30 Aug. 2018 Instead of making individual sweets, press this classic candy into a loaf pan and coat with pistachios for an easy spring treat. — Woman's Day Kitchen, Woman's Day, "Divinity Candy," 7 Mar. 2019 These darling earrings are classic enough to be loved by the older giftee and hip enough to be coveted by the younger. — Tanya Moskowitz, WSJ, "Art Director Tanya Moskowitz’s Gift Guide: In the Bag," 18 Dec. 2018 Mix it up with classic car games like Road Trip Bingo, turning common sights like police cars, airplanes, and stop signs into an interactive — and competitive — game. — Nadine Jolie Courtney, Redbook, "Genius Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy on Road Trips," 16 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And for so long, when travelers flocked to France with an expectation of coming back with their suitcase filled to the brim, those classics are what the collective imagination called to mind. — Glamour, "The Best French Brands You Haven’t Heard Of Yet," 29 Mar. 2019 For Gigi, that was Albert Camus' French classic The Stranger. — Glamour, "A Tabloid Called the Hadids’ Books ‘Hot Accessories’ and People Have Thoughts," 21 Mar. 2019 Lopez and Rodriguez both dressed down for the occasion, with Jennifer styling classic ripped blue jeans with white sneakers, a cream coat and a huge furry stole—as well as a new future hubby. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, and Her Giant Engagement Ring Shared a Date Night in NYC," 18 Mar. 2019 Every single person will be throwing their claws in the air for sure jamming to this '80s classic that never, ever gets old. — Noelle Devoe, Seventeen, "36 Nostalgic Songs That Must Be Played At Every Prom, No Questions Asked," 13 Mar. 2019 Now, another classic is coming: Ghost in the Shell. — Andrew Liptak, The Verge, "Netflix will release a new Ghost in the Shell anime in 2020," 8 Dec. 2018 While this new take on a classic was fashionable enough on its own, Bella upped the ensemble's edginess with the addition of matching leopard print accessories. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Bella Hadid Wore Denim on Denim," 20 Oct. 2018 Heirloom Favorite: Detroit Dark Red, a classic dating to 1892, is still one of the best for sweet roots and tasty greens. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "How to Grow Beets This Fall for a Hearty Autumn Harvest," 21 Aug. 2018 Double Take is Popular Mechanics' look back at sci-fi classics that have something prescient to say about today. — Kevin Dupzyk, Popular Mechanics, "How 'Ex Machina' Foresaw the Weaponization of Data," 16 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'classic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near classic

classical conditioning

classical humanism

Statistics for classic

Last Updated

10 Apr 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for classic

The first known use of classic was in 1597

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More Definitions for classic

classic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of classic

(Entry 1 of 2)

—used to say that something has come to be considered one of the best of its kind

—used to say that something is an example of excellence

—used to describe something that has been popular for a long time

classic

noun

English Language Learners Definition of classic (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that has been considered to be excellent for a long time

: the study of the literature, language, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome

: a traditional event

See the full definition for classic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

classic

adjective

clas·sic | \ ˈkla-sik

Kids Definition of classic

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

classic

noun

Kids Definition of classic (Entry 2 of 2)

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

classic

adjective

clas·sic | \ ˈklas-ik

variants: or classical \ -i-kəl

Medical 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