classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈkla-si-kəl How to pronounce classical (audio)
1
2
a
: of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals
classical civilization
b
: versed in the classics
a classical scholar
3
a
: of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation
b
: of, relating to, or being music in the educated European tradition that includes such forms as art song, chamber music, opera, and symphony as distinguished from folk or popular music or jazz
4
b(1)
: of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times
classical Mendelian genetics
(2)
: not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory
classical physics
c
: conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech
5
: concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science
a classical curriculum

Examples of classical in a Sentence

the classical preparation of a ham for Easter a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beethoven's Ninth, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Some classical music organizations would save Beethoven's famous symphony for the final program of the season to end with a big splash. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Stage acting is the most ephemeral of the classical performing arts. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 The program aims to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their art form — with pieces spanning the classical, folkloric, contemporary and flamenco styles — and the company’s half-century of output, earning them apt praise both here and abroad. Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 Qubits establish correlations that exceed classical logic limits through their ability to affect each other in ways that scale exponentially. Sadhasivam Mohanadas, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for classical

Word History

Etymology

Latin classicus

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of classical was in 1546

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

classical

adjective
clas·​si·​cal ˈklas-i-kəl How to pronounce classical (audio)
1
2
: of or relating to the classics of literature or art
especially : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman classics
classical studies
3
: of or relating to serious music in the European tradition
4
5
: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies
a classical high school

More from Merriam-Webster on classical

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