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
The cancellations span genres and geographies — from indie singer-songwriters to renowned classical performers — many of whom had already secured the necessary paperwork before ultimately backing out.
—
Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Kronos Quartet Over more than five decades, musicians in this venerable contemporary classical group have paid homage to Sun Ra and incorporated space sounds recorded by NASA into their music.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
By nightfall, a live pianist fills the air with jazz and classical renditions that linger like the savory scent of island spices wafting from the kitchen.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Or the Aspen Ideas Festival, which brings together thought leaders from around the world for a weekend of panels, or the Aspen Music Festival, which is regarded as one of the top classical music events in the United States.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for classical
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Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
Kronos Quartet Over more than five decades, musicians in this venerable contemporary classical group have paid homage to Sun Ra and incorporated space sounds recorded by NASA into their music.
—Neda Ulaby, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
By nightfall, a live pianist fills the air with jazz and classical renditions that linger like the savory scent of island spices wafting from the kitchen.
—Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Or the Aspen Ideas Festival, which brings together thought leaders from around the world for a weekend of panels, or the Aspen Music Festival, which is regarded as one of the top classical music events in the United States.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for classical
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 15 Apr. 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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