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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 seating is a mix and match of tables and chairs, combining modern styles with old-school Italian restaurant classics. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Nov. 2025 There’s the cousin who’s always ready to try something new, and the great aunt who insists on the old-school versions of every side. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025 The film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur in what producers are billing as a contemporary romance with old-school sensibilities. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025 Even an old-school black-and-white film camera would have taken issue with my approach. Lena Dunham, Vogue, 19 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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