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
Six other current nominees – Joe Bonamassa, Joyce DiDonato, Béla Fleck, Renée Fleming, Muni Long and Kelli O’Hara – are also set to perform, as is Grammy-winning contemporary classical composer Kevin Puts.
—
Paul Grein, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2025
The designer, 41, likes to tumble together disparate references, from classical tailoring to streetwear to offbeat historical references, including Flemish Old Masters.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Igor Levit is taking on one of classical music's most daunting challenges — again.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The director’s second feature — a grand leap in scope and accomplishment and a shift into a more classical form — is anchored throughout by Edgerton’s performance as Robert Grainier, a taciturn man given to thoughtful observation of a rapidly transforming world and his place in it.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for classical 
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Paul Grein, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2025
The designer, 41, likes to tumble together disparate references, from classical tailoring to streetwear to offbeat historical references, including Flemish Old Masters.
—Miles Socha, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025
Igor Levit is taking on one of classical music's most daunting challenges — again.
—Sabienna Bowman, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025
The director’s second feature — a grand leap in scope and accomplishment and a shift into a more classical form — is anchored throughout by Edgerton’s performance as Robert Grainier, a taciturn man given to thoughtful observation of a rapidly transforming world and his place in it.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for classical
Dictionary Entries Near classical
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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
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