old-school

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of old-schoolnext
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
And yet, the digital arrivistes could only gain so much traction with a broader customer base and needed a boost from tie-ins with old-school counterparts. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026 The city is also a pilgrimage site for pizza lovers, who will find everything from old-school joints that only sling margherita and marinara pizzas to next-gen pizzerias that elevate the humble pie to gourmet heights. Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026 Specifically, an offense that plays the old-school way — forcing the action by putting the ball in play, running wild on the bases, bunting early and often, and keeping pressure on the defense. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 The streamlined and more old-school approach has been welcome for this writer, who grew up in the 1990s. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 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 22 Apr. 2026.

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