Old World

noun

Definition of Old World

(Entry 1 of 2)

the Old World

: the eastern hemisphere exclusive of Australia … the pomegranate has been naturalized for so long throughout the Old World that no one is quite sure where it originated (but Persia seems most likely).— Elizabeth Schneider During the late Miocene, various kinds of apes evolved in widely separated parts of the Old World (but none in the New World).— Marvin Harris specifically : the continent of Europe The Atlantic is a Lethean stream, in our passage over which we have had an opportunity to forget the Old World and its institutions. — Henry David Thoreau From America, the Old World would receive new staffs of life, such as corn and potatoes, as well as some of life's guilty pleasures, such as tobacco and chocolate. — Peter Winn — compare new world

old-world

adjective

\ ˈōl(d)-ˈwər(-ə)ld

Definition of old-world (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Old World old-world traditions/attitudes/beliefs Many recipes for old-world cakes … call for whisking egg yolks with sugar until a pale yellow foam forms.— Ben Mims Pronghorns, distinctly North American and not allied to old-world goats or antelope, are the fastest land mammals on earth after cheetahs.— Ted Williams often : having the charm or picturesque qualities of the Old World narrow old-world streets … the house radiates a European sensibility … By recognizing and building upon this appealing old-world integrity, Joanne Deakins has placed the definitive stamp of her own decorating taste and style on the home's interior and furnishings. — Southern Accents The hotel is very old-world, and the tall dining room has all the accoutrements that a luxury hotel once required. — Lillian Langseth-Christensen