classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈkla-sə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

a

: the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

b

: classical scholarship

c

: a classical idiom or expression

2

: adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid

Examples of classicism in a Sentence

a return to classicism in modern architecture

the classicism of the building

Recent Examples on the Web

The installation brought forth contemporary designs along with 1950s Italian vintage treasures such as The Architettura Trumeau, a cabinet made in 1951 and born from the first collaboration between Gio Ponti and Piero Fornasetti, which is considered an exploration of classicism and modern design. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 26 Jan. 2026

Browse Sergio’s artistic exploration of contemporary classicism before slipping off to his partner Rosita Gia’s fashion boutique Archivio for tailored silk and linen staples and interiors worthy of an art gallery. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Shooting in real environments — the movie favored actual locations over sets — added to the sense of authenticity, as did certain choices Vincent and Brewer made about the camera that went against the cinematographer’s ingrained sense of classicism. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2025

Thanks to the masterful intervention of designer Petr Grigorash, the vintage decor of this 807-square-foot home in a small village near Como offers a fresh interpretation of a certain Northern Italian classicism. —Valentina Raggi, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for classicism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the principles or style of the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

2

: a following of the standards of tradition (as in music or art)