classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈkla-si-kəl 

1

: standard, classic

2

a

: of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals

classical civilization

b

: versed in the classics

a classical scholar

3

a

: of or relating to music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and moderation

b

: of, relating to, or being music in the educated European tradition that includes such forms as art song, chamber music, opera, and symphony as distinguished from folk or popular music or jazz

4

a

: authoritative, traditional

b(1)

: of or relating to a form or system considered of first significance in earlier times

classical Mendelian genetics

(2)

: not involving relativity, wave mechanics, or quantum theory

classical physics

c

: conforming to a pattern of usage sanctioned by a body of literature rather than by everyday speech

5

: concerned with or giving instruction in the humanities, the fine arts, and the broad aspects of science

a classical curriculum

Synonyms

• conventional
• customary
• prescriptive
• traditional

Examples of classical in a Sentence

the classical preparation of a ham for Easter

a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians

Recent Examples on the Web

Ethel has three granddaughters and five great-grandchildren and spends her time in her garden and listening to classical music, per LongeviQuest. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 3 May 2025

The offerings include beloved works of the classical canon including Beethoven, Verdi and Mozart, as well as contemporary composers suchas Jeff Beal, Marques L. A. Garrett and Hyowon Woo. Los Angeles County Museum of Art has acquired an important pair of paintings by Manuel de Arellano (1662–1722). —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

Expanding the Athenaeum’s space, Torri said, enabled the library and museum to offer more programs, collections and events, including its arts education program and jazz and classical concerts by some of the world’s leading musicians. —Michael Williams, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2025

Your Lie in April expresses the fallout of traumatic loss on children with tremendous empathy, at times dropping dialogue almost entirely and using classical music and colorfully abstract animation to convey Kousei’s inner feelings. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin classicus

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classical

• anti-classical
• classical conditioning
• classical-liberal
• classical liberalism
• classical mechanics

Rhymes for classical

• neoclassical
• semiclassical
• nonclassical

Kids Definition

classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈklas-i-kəl 

1

: classic entry 1 sense 1a

2

: of or relating to the classics of literature or art

especially : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman classics

classical studies

3

: of or relating to serious music in the European tradition

4

: authoritative, traditional

5

: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies

a classical high school