classic

1 of 2

adjective

clas·​sic ˈkla-sik 

1

a

: serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value

classic literary works

a classic case study on hysteria

b

: traditional, enduring

classic designs

c

: characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year

a classic suit

2

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

3

a

: historically memorable

a classic battle

b

: noted because of special literary or historical associations

Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates

4

a

: authentic, authoritative

a classic study of eyewitness accounts

b

: typical

a classic example of chicanery

a classic error

5

Classic : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900

classic

2 of 2

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

Adjective

• exemplary
• quintessential
• perfect
• definitive
• excellent
• unique
• superb
• archetypal
• paradigmatic
• model
• wonderful
• great
• terrific

Noun

• model
• idea
• example
• incarnation
• ideal

Examples of classic in a Sentence

Adjective

She prefers classic furniture designs.

It's a classic suit that won't go out of style.

I like the car's classic contours.

The battle was a classic example of poor planning.

Noun

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

Adjective

The multi-hyphenate talent has been tapped to direct an adaptation of August Wilson’s award-winning classic Fences at Mark Taper Forum. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

Simkhai applied a glossy coating to otherwise classic jeans and jackets. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

Red Ginger, an uber-popular pan-Asian eatery, lures guests with classics like a phenomenal spicy duck and watermelon salad and IG-worthy lobster pad Thai. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Across the week-long trip, Clooney’s wardrobe comprised of all her classics. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis — see class entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

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