old-school

1 of 2

adjective

1
: adhering to traditional policies or practices
an old-school coach
2
: characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form
old-school music

old school

2 of 2

noun

: adherents of traditional policies and practices

Examples of old-school in a Sentence

Adjective an old-school romantic comedy in which the two leads don't jump into bed at the first opportunity an old-school gentleman who opened doors and pulled out chairs for women
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Sonic’s menu specializes in old-school American fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, corndogs and chicken tenders. Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025 This whodunnit opens like an old-school murder mystery, with a rich family, a big creepy house and a dead patriarch. Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 Propelled by one of guitarist Wes Borland’s hypnotic riffs, crunching beats, old-school record scratches and the group’s signature shouty choruses, the whole thing comes crashing to a close with a pummeling final chorus that finally nods to the country star in the title. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025 Finished with butter, this chicken is at home served with Roasted Potatoes, green beans, or old-school Stick of Butter Rice. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for old-school

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-school was in 1749

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Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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