old-school

1 of 2

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˌskül 

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

Synonyms of old-school

Adjective

• vintage
• retro
• antique
• traditional
• antiquated
• old-time
• historical
• historic

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

Adjective

Malcolm’s subjects are very old-school, doctrinaire, rigid Freudian psychoanalysts who get involved in impossibly obscure academic debates. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026

Slapping an old-school logo on a hoodie doesn’t preserve a legacy. —Jonathan Kleeman, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2026

Also known as zabaione, or sabayon in France, the eggy dessert produces a delightfully old-school result. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Jan. 2026

Despite its old-school 468-bhp, six-speed manual, rear-wheel-drive setup, the Runabout weighs less than a Mini thanks to the plentiful use of extruded aluminum. —New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for old-school

• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool
• guayule
• lobule
• misrule
• preschool
• pustule
• whirlpool