1
a
—used to say that something has come to be considered one of the best of its kind
classic novels/movies
a classic case study on hysteria
He collects classic cars.
b
—used to say that something is an example of excellence
His winning goal was classic.
c
—used to describe something that has been popular for a long time
classic board games
The recipe is a new version of a classic dish.
a radio station that plays classic rock [=rock music from the past that is still popular]
2
: having a graceful design with simple lines
She prefers classic furniture designs.
It's a classic suit that won't go out of style.
I like the car's classic contours.
3
: very typical
The battle was a classic example/case of poor planning.
a classic error
(informal) She lost the tickets? How classic. [=it is not surprising that she lost the tickets; she often loses things]
plural classics
1
: something that has been considered to be excellent for a long time
That car is a classic.
film/literary classics
I like to read the classics.
Their latest album is destined to become a classic. [=it is very good and will still be admired many years from now]
2
: the study of the literature, language, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome
He teaches classics at the local university.
She studied classics in college.
an interest in the classics
3
: a traditional event
The football game is a Thanksgiving classic.
Cite this Entry
“Classic.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/classic. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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