traditional

adjective

tra·di·tion·al | \ trə-ˈdish-nəl

, -ˈdi-shə-nᵊl \

Definition of traditional

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

Other Words from traditional Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about traditional

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Other Words from traditional

traditionally adverb

a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nearly two centuries ago, during the California Gold Rush, Chinese immigrants were cooking in a more traditional style, as a way to feed miners and railroad workers who longed for a taste of home. — Jenny Liao, Bon Appétit, "My Secret Affair With Chinese Takeout," 30 Mar. 2021 The roundabout, under construction since August, replaces a more traditional three-way intersection with traffic lights at the intersection of Broad Street and Canal Street. — al, "Mobile opens traffic roundabout on edge of downtown," 29 Mar. 2021 Others come to the society for more traditional reasons, like Kevin, a 9-year-old puggle whose family had to move in February and couldn’t take him with them. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, "After COVID prompts pet adoption spike in Connecticut, a surge in need follows," 29 Mar. 2021 Golf isn't the most popular sport in India, but Mehboobani is hoping his makeshift version of the sport will prove an introduction -- especially to his 6-year-old daughter Ashmi -- to the more traditional game. — Ben Morse, CNN, "Slum golf: A whole new ball game on Mumbai's streets," 29 Mar. 2021 The Johnson & Johnson vaccine takes the more traditional approach. — USA Today, "Comparing the COVID-19 vaccines," 27 Mar. 2021 These alternative grandpa names have a little of everything: some are trendy and cool, some are traditional with a twist, some take inspiration from different languages and some are used by the best celebrity Papas out there. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "50 Unique Grandpa Names for the Big Man," 25 Mar. 2021 Incorporate this classic print into your outdoor space with the help of this fringed rug, available in an unexpected powder blue, or a more traditional gray hue. — Stephanie Perry, Southern Living, "The 10 Best Outdoor Rugs to Instantly Revive Your Porch or Patio," 25 Mar. 2021 The Wheated Bourbon is traditional and sweet; the High-Rye Bourbon dry with some spice. — Sharyn Jackson, Star Tribune, "3 local whiskeys that show off the creativity of Twin Cities microdistilleries," 23 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'traditional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

1 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 10 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for traditional

traditional

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of traditional

: based on a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time : following the tradition of a certain group or culture

: typical or normal for something or someone : having the qualities, beliefs, etc., that are usual or expected in a particular type of person or thing

: based on old-fashioned ideas : not new, different, or modern

See the full definition for traditional in the English Language Learners Dictionary

traditional

adjective

tra·di·tion·al | \ trə-ˈdi-shə-nᵊl \