classical
adjective
clas·si·cal
ˈkla-si-kəl 
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
a
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
His versatility extends to jazz, classical and Latin music.
—
Chris Stover, CBS News, 18 July 2024
The arts center says guests can expect to hear R&B, soul and hints of 21st-century Western classical music from the duo.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2024
With a focus on the city’s Arab and Emirati musical heritage, the annual observance will introduce audiences to Arabic jazz by spotlighting the decades-long interplay between local musical traditions — through classical instruments such as the oud, qanun and ney — and jazz.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 16 July 2024
In ancient Greece and Rome, for example, many buildings that were located in solemn religious regions in the classical period (between the eighth century B.C.E. and the fifth century C.E.) were, in later centuries, decorated with gaming boards etched into the facades.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for classical 
Chris Stover, CBS News, 18 July 2024
The arts center says guests can expect to hear R&B, soul and hints of 21st-century Western classical music from the duo.
—Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2024
With a focus on the city’s Arab and Emirati musical heritage, the annual observance will introduce audiences to Arabic jazz by spotlighting the decades-long interplay between local musical traditions — through classical instruments such as the oud, qanun and ney — and jazz.
—Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 16 July 2024
In ancient Greece and Rome, for example, many buildings that were located in solemn religious regions in the classical period (between the eighth century B.C.E. and the fifth century C.E.) were, in later centuries, decorated with gaming boards etched into the facades.
—Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for classical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'classical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near classical
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classical
adjective
clas·si·cal
ˈklas-i-kəl
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
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