traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce traditional (audio)
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
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

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
To stay competitive as water stress deepens across traditional and emerging production regions, the industry must decouple manufacturing from water use. Ken Katz, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025 As trillions in private capital search for liquidity in a world where traditional exits no longer work, blockchain infrastructure is quietly becoming the system of last resort. Azeem Khan, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 For him, achieving a red carpet-worthy look is about doing your research, diving into traditional braid styles for different ceremonies, and giving credit to where that inspiration came from. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 May 2025 What's the difference between a traditional and a Roth 401(k)? Rachel Barber, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for traditional

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditional was in 1545

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Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective
tra·​di·​tion·​al
trə-ˈdish-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
1
: handed down from age to age without writing
2
: based on custom
our traditional Thanksgiving dinner
traditionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on traditional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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