classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈkla-si-kəl 

1

: standard, classic

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

: authoritative, traditional

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

Synonyms of classical

• traditional
• customary
• conventional

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

Even when the classical system was scaled up to thousands of nodes, the much smaller quantum system still performed better in multi-day forecasts. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026

As the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, the city was a magnet for wealth and culture, and that rich history remains alive today in traditions like kaiseki cuisine, Kyo-ware ceramics, Yuzen silk dyeing, sake brewing, and classical drama forms like Kabuki and Noh (a type of theatrical dance). —Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026

In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology published new codes that can keep secrets safe from both classical and quantum computers. —Quanta Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026

The couple hired Malé Girl Band, an all-female band, who played classical music during the ceremony and cocktail hour and more upbeat (and varied, as there was a Goo Goo Dolls moment) tunes for the party. —Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin classicus

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classical

• anti-classical
• classical conditioning
• classical-liberal
• classical liberalism
• classical mechanics

Rhymes for classical

• neoclassical
• semiclassical
• nonclassical

Kids Definition

classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈklas-i-kəl 

1

: classic entry 1 sense 1a

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

: authoritative, traditional

5

: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies

a classical high school