classical
adjective
clas·si·cal
ˈkla-si-kəl 
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
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
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
Another element that will feel novel to the classical ballet audience is the minimal costuming, by Moritz Junge; there isn’t a tutu in sight.
—
Freya Drohan, Vogue, 24 June 2024
Perez continues to work to broaden the school’s traditional classical training with a focus on diversity and courses on Suzuki training, clowning, physical comedy and more.
—Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2024
It’s estimated there are around 1,000 classical schools in operation today.
—Luke Fountain, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2024
Comprising musicians from over 25 countries, the BSO embodies the essence of diversity, blending the classical traditions of Europe with the rhythms and melodies of the world.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for classical 
Freya Drohan, Vogue, 24 June 2024
Perez continues to work to broaden the school’s traditional classical training with a focus on diversity and courses on Suzuki training, clowning, physical comedy and more.
—Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2024
It’s estimated there are around 1,000 classical schools in operation today.
—Luke Fountain, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2024
Comprising musicians from over 25 countries, the BSO embodies the essence of diversity, blending the classical traditions of Europe with the rhythms and melodies of the world.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for classical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'classical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near classical
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classical
adjective
clas·si·cal
ˈklas-i-kəl
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
5
: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies
a classical high school
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share