old-school

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of old-schoolnext
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
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Adjective
Even as advertising evolves to embrace AI, many of the top AI companies saw value in old-school Super Bowl television ads. Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 The high-end products are in sync with the barber shop’s old-school aesthetic, combining columns, capitals and green marble with opulent mosaic flooring, black ebony walls, coffered ceilings and metopes crafted by Venetian glassmakers. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026 His sophomore restaurant, Chateau Royale, is another ode to old-school French civility. Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026 Perhaps that shift is also a sign that the old-school leader no longer exists. Stuart James, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 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 13 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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