classicist

noun

clas·​si·​cist ˈkla-sə-sist 

1

: an advocate or follower of classicism

2

: a classical scholar

classicistic

ˌkla-sə-ˈsi-stik 

adjective

Examples of classicist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mary Beard, Cambridge classicist and chair of the 2026 Booker Prize jury is also exploring The Odyssey, a timely choice given the recent launch of Chris Nolan’s movie, with Charlotte Higgins, chief culture writer at The Guardian. — Peter White, Deadline, 30 July 2026

The British American classicist’s take on the film was especially notable because, last fall, Nolan quoted Wilson’s translation when telling Empire magazine why he was drawn to the story. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

This companionable book, by a Cambridge classicist, marvels at the ancient world. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

While the majority of classicists are embracing the spectacle of Nolan’s blockbuster, opinions start to diverge when discussing his adaptation of Homer’s language for the screenplay. — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1