classic

noun

1

: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome

studied the classics in college

2

a

: a work of enduring excellence

His manual of biology has become a classic among scientists.

also : its author

He had already become a classic many years before his death.

b

: an authoritative source

3

: a typical or perfect example

His march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance.

4

: a traditional event

a football classic

Synonyms of classic

• model
• idea
• example
• incarnation
• ideal

Examples of classic in a Sentence

That car is a classic.

I like to read the classics.

He teaches classics at the local university.

She studied classics in college.

an interest in the classics

The football game is a Thanksgiving classic.

Recent Examples on the Web

Headed by Griffith himself, the ensemble’s warmth, humor, and unmistakable chemistry helped transform a simple small-town sitcom into an American classic that endures to this day. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026

This Roasted Tomato Quiche is a lighter, breakfast-friendly version of the Southern classic, and it's proven a winner among our readers. —Katherine Polcari, Southern Living, 6 June 2026

Expect classics from the American songbook, wily new interpretations of contemporary pop songs, Broadway standards and lots of sweet between-song patter. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026

The Midtown Farmers Market treated visitors to jazz this Saturday as A King’s Dream performed classics on bass guitar and saxophone, kicking off a month full of experiences including musical performances and more. —Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing classic

• classic case
• destined to become a classic

Rhymes for classic

• cassock
• boracic
• jurassic
• postclassic
• potassic
• preclassic
• thoracic
• cardiothoracic
• intrathoracic
• prothoracic
• transthoracic

Kids Definition

classic

1 of 2 adjective

clas·​sic ˈklas-ik 

1

a

: serving as a standard of excellence

a classic literature

b

: fashionable year after year : traditional, enduring

a classic design

2

: of or relating to the ancient Greeks or Romans or their culture

3

a

: notable as the best of its kind

a classic film

b

: notable as the most basic or typical of its kind

a classic example

classic

2 of 2 noun

1

: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome

2

: a great work of art

also : its author

3

: something regarded as perfect of its kind

4

: an event that has become a tradition

a football classic

Medical Definition

classic

adjective

clas·​sic ˈklas-ik 

variants or classical

-i-kəl 

: standard or recognized especially because of great frequency or consistency of occurrence

the classic triad of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis signaling Reiter's syndrome

—Emergency Medicine