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

Southern Living highlighted this Gaston County city for its old-school Southern vibe. — Eva Flowe august 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026

But the nightmarish realms of the Further retain their unnerving power, and some of the old-school ghost movie thrills are well done. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026

Galvin Green Galvin Green’s Dean insulating mid layer ($229) brings old-school style and high-tech performance together. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Notebooks Screen time is one thing, but old-school analogue pen and paper does the trick. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Aug. 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