classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈkla-sə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce classicism (audio)
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
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.
This was a popular style of architecture across Europe in the late 1800 and early 1900’s, a throwback to Greek and Roman classicism. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Fall’s fashion trends mark a return to classicism, with influences from academia and the English countryside, and few pieces capture the mood as effortlessly as blazers. Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025 With architecture that blends the brutalism and folk influences of Eastern Europe with the classicism of Western Europe, Finland is an understated design destination. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Sep. 2025 His sensibility blends rare classicism with a singular way of seeing the world. John Hopewell, Variety, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for classicism

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of classicism was in 1827

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Cite this Entry

“Classicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classicism. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

classicism

noun
clas·​si·​cism ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce classicism (audio)
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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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