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
: 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
Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Its handle provides a good grip, and the old-school speed-adjustment switch makes operation a no-brainer.
—Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
The occasion was the 25th anniversary of The Wall Group, Brooke Wall’s styling agency, and Delilah — all low lights, curved leather banquettes and old-school supper-club mood — was full of hair stylists, makeup artists and wardrobe pros temporarily off the clock, though hardly off-brand.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Conservatives tried and failed to convince Thune to pursue a talking filibuster, an old-school way of blockading legislation that might eventually allow the SAVE America Act to pass at 50 votes.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for old-school
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
Central Austin Crown & Anchor A campus-area classic that serves the best old-school burger in town and frosty pitchers of cold beer.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Its handle provides a good grip, and the old-school speed-adjustment switch makes operation a no-brainer.
—Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
The occasion was the 25th anniversary of The Wall Group, Brooke Wall’s styling agency, and Delilah — all low lights, curved leather banquettes and old-school supper-club mood — was full of hair stylists, makeup artists and wardrobe pros temporarily off the clock, though hardly off-brand.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Conservatives tried and failed to convince Thune to pursue a talking filibuster, an old-school way of blockading legislation that might eventually allow the SAVE America Act to pass at 50 votes.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for old-school
Cite this Entry
“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
