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

Kids and teens will love the new Treehouse activity center at Night Heron Park, which features a nature center, eight bowling lanes, an old-school arcade, an art studio, a family-friendly pub, and two golf simulators. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Inspired by both old-school church cookbook carrot salads and Chick-fil-A’s beloved (and retired) classic menu item, this salad brings together carrots, raisins, pineapple, and mayonnaise into a surprisingly tasty result. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

That combination of a national fast-casual favorite with old-school deli staples helped Citi Field build a reputation no other MLB ballpark has matched in recent voting cycles. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker with Zelenskyy's party, told NPR Zelenskyy fired Fedorov because the 35-year old minister clashed with old-school military generals and due to his controversial reforms on military conscription. — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 16 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