old-world

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˈwər(-ə)ld How to pronounce old-world (audio)
Definition of old-worldnext
as in vintage
pleasantly reminiscent of an earlier time the theater has been painstakingly restored to its old-world elegance

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of old-world Some people like old-world charm and zealously seek to preserve it. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2026 Today, fifth-generation Fiorentinos are the custodians of this old-world, grandest of grand hotels, nearing its 200th anniversary. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 Now at the National Museum of American History, the vanilla silk crepe dress, with its single waterfall ruffle and narrow claret ribbon at the waist, hinted at old-world craft and restraint. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 Paired with solid-color cotton bedding, the ticking stripe adds just a touch of texture and pattern without leaning too heavily into the old-world look. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-world
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old-world
  1. vintage
  2. antique
  3. retro
  4. traditional
  5. historical
  6. historic
  7. antiquated
  8. old-time
Adjective
  • The looks kicked off at the welcome party and rehearsal dinner with a vintage tartan Ralph Lauren dress paired with a burgundy Dries Van Noten coat.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Why scarcity matters in vintage fashion resale Scarcity is another big piece of the puzzle.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of vintage
Adjective
  • The lobby, decked out in light fixtures made from antique crystal decanters, is a wonder in itself.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The flick follows an elder antique trader who dredges up a 500-year-old artifact that invigorates him with youth but has the unfortunate side effect of turning him into a vampire.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of antique
Adjective
  • For now, analysts have Nike chief executive officer Elliott Hill’s promise that the team will introduce more than a dozen footwear styles that are all new instead of going back to the vault and doing old retro shoes.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The fruits of their effort is now available for purchase online and in stores (a deluxe edition featuring an exclusive retro Trapper Keeper-style slipcase is available for purchase at Z2’s website).
    — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of retro
Adjective
  • Its signature Song Bag translates the skeletal geometry of traditional Chinese kites into a soft, structured leather vessel.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Inn operates like a traditional B&B, with free breakfast in the morning, and complimentary wine and cheese in the evening.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of traditional
Adjective
  • But the work’s critics also appeal to its past; actual encounter is informed by historical circumstances, which means looking back.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The bill would have directed state agencies to recognize historical inequities affecting tribes, and to consult with them on water projects, plans and policies.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of historical
Adjective
  • The New York Liberty are peaking at the right time and were able to complete a historic sweep of the Minnesota Lynx to advance to the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs.
    — Doug Feinberg, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Of course, Hemingway and McCarthy weren’t writing amid democratic backsliding and historic polarization.
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Adopting techniques from classic-Hollywood style, cinematographers dusted off antiquated equipment, using tungsten bulbs instead of LEDs to create the low-key contrasts typical of the genre.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Furthermore, its green monochrome display will likely feel antiquated once full-color waveguide tech matures.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of antiquated
Adjective
  • But On the Rocks has the potential to draw customers to Burleson from far around for an old-time Italian restaurant experience with pastas and grill dishes, cocktails, wines and a piano bar.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026
  • For this tigress, the elder Singh urged a haka, an old-time beat.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of old-time

Browse Nearby Words

old wives' tales
old-world
oleaginous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Old-world.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old-world. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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