old-school

1 of 2

adjective

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
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
Adapted from legendary underground comic artist Johnny Ryan’s graphic novel of the same name, the film is a throwback to the kind of old-school midnight movie that prioritizes shock value above all else. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 2 Oct. 2025 This past eligibility season saw young, hot stars like Leon Thomas, Givēon, and Coco Jones put a distinctly old-school touch on their music that’s likely to land them in the general Best R&B Album category. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2025 Cal has one of college football’s most charming and old-school home energies, from Strawberry Canyon to Charter Hill. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 Dita Von Teese’s Voltaire burlesque show at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, running until June, 28, 2026, has added to the old-school resurgence, along with the 2025 movie The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola and starring Pamela Anderson as a veteran Vegas dancer. Zoey Goto, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025 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 9 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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