classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈkla-si-kəl 

1

: standard, classic

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

: authoritative, traditional

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

Synonyms

• conventional
• customary
• prescriptive
• traditional

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

Hannigan won a Grammy in 2018: best classical solo vocal album for Crazy Girl Crazy. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2025

The La Jolla Symphony, now led by music director Sameer Patel, chooses pieces from the classical canon and by contemporary composers. —Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025

Danica is comfortable in many different vocal styles — traditional musical theater, modern musical theater and classical voice. —Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025

Roman calendars defined days using three markers: the Ides, Kalends and Nones, according to Dwayne Meisner, a classical studies instructor at Campion College at the University of Regina in Canada. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin classicus

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing classical

• anti-classical
• classical conditioning
• classical-liberal
• classical liberalism
• classical mechanics

Rhymes for classical

• neoclassical
• semiclassical
• nonclassical

Kids Definition

classical

adjective

clas·​si·​cal ˈklas-i-kəl 

1

: classic entry 1 sense 1a

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

: authoritative, traditional

5

: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies

a classical high school