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

• archetypal
• archetypical
• definitive
• exemplary
• imitable
• model
• paradigmatic
• quintessential
• textbook

Noun

• beau ideal
• eidolon
• exemplar
• idea
• ideal
• model
• nonesuch
• nonpareil
• paragon
• patron saint

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

The 1948 Ferrari Spyder Corsa had competed in the classic Mille Miglia and Targa Florio road races in period, and had remained in the same family since new until being sold at the auction, which was part of the Concorso d’Eleganza at Hotel Villa d’Este. —Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Practice makes perfect, and this recipe is a perfect place to start—follow our tips and tricks for making this classic Italian dish. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 27 May 2025

Noun

Clearly inspired by the Italian neorealist classic Bicycle Thieves, Lucky Lu follows a Chinese migrant (played by the excellent Chang Chen, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) whose delivery bike does indeed get stolen towards the start of the film. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air alum shared throwback photos on Instagram May 23 from her time making the 1999 cult classic. —Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 27 May 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