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
: 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
Michael Cox, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The network has more than doubled its pilot count from a year ago after budgeting for an increase in the old-school development method.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
This little nabe is perhaps best known for Dihua Street, which is considered to be the oldest street in Taipei and is peppered with handsome, old-school buildings that date back to the Japanese colonial era and traditional Chinese medicine shops.
—Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
This old-school casserole recipe brings back so many memories.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for old-school
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.
Adjective
Broadcasters don’t want a monotone, unflappable old-school official.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The network has more than doubled its pilot count from a year ago after budgeting for an increase in the old-school development method.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026
This little nabe is perhaps best known for Dihua Street, which is considered to be the oldest street in Taipei and is peppered with handsome, old-school buildings that date back to the Japanese colonial era and traditional Chinese medicine shops.
—Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
This old-school casserole recipe brings back so many memories.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for old-school
Cite this Entry
“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
