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

Since then, the company has been busy attempting to build out the platform’s library and earlier this year entered a licensing agreement with the company behind Forensic Files to adapt the old-school TV series into the vertical format. —Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026

Montana Masback, creative director, encourages folks to make the pilgrimage, but to put their phone down at least for a little and enjoy themselves in an old-school way. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Smith and Rockwell have combined to forge a glamorous, old-school vibe. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

For Coachella, the singer will undoubtedly bring the same attention to detail to her set design and visuals, channeling old-school vedettes and nostalgic showgirl aesthetic. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 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