traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl 

1

: of or relating to tradition : consisting of or derived from tradition

a traditional celebration

2

: handed down from age to age

traditional history

traditional songs/stories

3

: following or conforming to tradition : adhering to past practices or established conventions

traditional morality

traditional values/beliefs

employing traditional methods of cooking

traditionally adverb

a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar

a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Synonyms of traditional

• customary
• conventional
• classical
• usual
• historical

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house

a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of burning capital on traditional endorsement checks, KANE built its network organically across NBA rosters, 26 NFL franchises, and more than 60 college athletic programs, from Nebraska to Stanford to the University of Miami Hurricanes. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Along with traditional options such as avocado toast, steak and eggs, and a breakfast burrito, more brunchy items, including chicken wings and a burger, are available. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Unlike traditional nuclear reactors, ZiaCore is designed as a factory-manufacturable microreactor that emphasizes compactness, fuel efficiency, and simplified deployment. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

The material palette is more akin to that of a superyacht or high-end hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship, with natural timbers, textured stones, warm metals, and soft fabrics. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing traditional

• anti-traditional
• go/take the traditional route

Rhymes for traditional

• additional
• conditional
• nutritional
• positional
• transitional
• volitional
• compositional
• definitional
• depositional
• dispositional
• intuitional
• nontraditional

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al

trə-ˈdish-nəl, 

-ən-ᵊl

1

: handed down from age to age without writing

2

: based on custom

our traditional Thanksgiving dinner

traditionally

-ē

adverb