1
a
: 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
It is traditional to eat turkey and cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving.
We often cook traditional Mexican meals for our guests.
She wore a traditional Japanese kimono.
a traditional Russian fairy tale
b
: 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
She is a traditional liberal politician.
We got a traditional bank loan with a fixed interest rate.
2
: based on old-fashioned ideas : not new, different, or modern
I prefer a more traditional style of furniture.
His views on marriage are quite traditional. He says that the wife should stay home with the children while the husband works.
traditional beliefs/values
Cite this Entry
“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/traditional. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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