classic

1 of 2

adjective

clas·​sic ˈkla-sik How to pronounce classic (audio)
1
a
: serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
classic literary works
a classic case study on hysteria
b
: traditional, enduring
classic designs
c
: characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year
a classic suit
2
: of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
3
a
: historically memorable
a classic battle
b
: noted because of special literary or historical associations
Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
4
a
: authentic, authoritative
a classic study of eyewitness accounts
b
: typical
a classic example of chicanery
a classic error
5
capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900

classic

2 of 2

noun

1
: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
studied the classics in college
2
a
: a work of enduring excellence
His manual of biology has become a classic among scientists.
also : its author
He had already become a classic many years before his death.
b
: an authoritative source
3
: a typical or perfect example
His march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance.
4
: a traditional event
a football classic

Examples of classic in a Sentence

Adjective She prefers classic furniture designs. It's a classic suit that won't go out of style. I like the car's classic contours. The battle was a classic example of poor planning. Noun That car is a classic. I like to read the classics. He teaches classics at the local university. She studied classics in college. an interest in the classics The football game is a Thanksgiving classic.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Offer a classic butcher shop selling a full range of fresh meats, aged steaks, trademark sausages, and handcrafted deli meats. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024 The classic Shakespeare tale sees Iago, a junior officer, grow jealous about being overlooked for a promotion. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 Keep it classic with a signature hamburger or cheeseburger, or try one of their unique options like the pizza burger, chili burger or the Sonoran burger. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 His classic book, Winning Ugly, is a field manual for waging mental warfare on the court. Abby Aguirre, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 With nods to classic subcultural genres and spot-on influences from some of underground music’s biggest bands, all three groups are shining examples of independent music’s next generation of superstars. Rose Eden, SPIN, 6 Mar. 2024 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Experience everything from classic cowboy culture to cutting-edge museums to bohemian galleries housed in colorful Spanish Revival architecture in the area’s distinctive districts. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Available to watch on Netflix Moana This classic Disney movie stars Moana, a fearless girl who listens to her heart and embarks on a journey of self discovery to save her island in Polynesia. Akruti Babaria, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 First of all, a tie is sort of something that is not classic on a woman and won’t stand the test of time. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024
Noun
The Enquirer The 2024-2025 Cincinnati Shakespeare Co. season includes three world premieres – including a new musical – alongside celebrated classics offering a season that blends tradition with innovation and collaboration. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Yoto offers hundreds of audiobook cards, like Disney classics, Marvel favorites, bedtime meditations, music, and more for kids and adults. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 His walleyed, foul-smelling, hangnail of a classics teacher charts a course toward redemption, and the ride is enjoyable. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Also performing at Rosendal Garden Party are Grace Jones, Turnstile, Raye, Saint Levant, and the Heavy. Refused made an immediate and lasting impact in the hardcore scene with The Shape of Punk to Come, their 1998 album, which has since become a classic of the genre. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2024 The Boston movie that birthed two Boston stars and so many subsequent Boston classics. Derek Lawrence, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2024 This is the second-ever live sporting event to air on Netflix, following a golf classic last year. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 True to the classic, this omelet recipe has no filling and instead highlights the texture of soft cooked eggs. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 House exterior styles range from farmhouse to cottage, but there are a few paint colors that are quintessential Southern classics. Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'classic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis — see class entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of classic was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near classic

Cite this Entry

“Classic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

classic

1 of 2 adjective
clas·​sic ˈklas-ik How to pronounce classic (audio)
1
a
: serving as a standard of excellence
a classic literature
b
: fashionable year after year : traditional, enduring
a classic design
2
: of or relating to the ancient Greeks or Romans or their culture
3
a
: notable as the best of its kind
a classic film
b
: notable as the most basic or typical of its kind
a classic example

classic

2 of 2 noun
1
: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
2
: a great work of art
also : its author
3
: something regarded as perfect of its kind
4
: an event that has become a tradition
a football classic

Medical Definition

classic

adjective
clas·​sic ˈklas-ik How to pronounce classic (audio)
variants or classical
: standard or recognized especially because of great frequency or consistency of occurrence
the classic triad of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis signaling Reiter's syndromeEmergency Medicine

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