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

Was this one of those old-school tricks that's actually legitimate—or just another DIY myth that went viral on social media? — Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 25 July 2026

Warm milk delivers tryptophan, an amino acid the body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin, which is why the old-school bedtime drink has stuck around. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

An openly gay man in Catholic Italy as well as an old-school romantic, Visconti was cinema’s great poet of impossible loves. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 July 2026

With whimsical wallpaper by Ludwig Bemelmans, creator of the Madeline children’s books, the space has a fun, old-school New York atmosphere ideal for conversations and cocktails. — Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 23 July 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