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

Season 2 pits Batman against more of Gotham’s most notorious criminals while continuing the show’s stylish blend of detective stories, classic comic book influences, and old-school film noir. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Many old-school phone plans at AT&T are getting the equivalent of a tuition hike as the carrier retroactively raises their monthly rates starting in August, while increasing the data available on them for mobile hotspot use. — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 31 July 2026

James had an old-school game — fluid pace, a crafty handle, great court vision. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Our old-school Classic view reprises the original site layout from 1998, the year the Ars Orbiting HQ launched. — Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 29 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