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
The third-floor walk-up has been renovated, but the old-school charm remains in its hardwood floors, ample windows, and brick façade. Gabriela Ulloa, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2025 The old-school business models used to support this sort of antagonistic reporting because the papers were subsidized by classified ads and lifestyle coverage. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Even as new burger joints pop up across the city, Kincaid’s remains steady, familiar and proudly old-school. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025 With Variety, the director discusses his YouTube origins, shooting on old-school camcorders and that shocking ending. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 24 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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!