old-school

1 of 2

adjective

1
: adhering to traditional policies or practices
an old-school coach
2
: characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form
old-school music

old school

2 of 2

noun

: adherents of traditional policies and practices

Examples of old-school in a Sentence

Adjective an old-school romantic comedy in which the two leads don't jump into bed at the first opportunity an old-school gentleman who opened doors and pulled out chairs for women
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
There’s still no shortage of old-school discipline and hardness about Wade. D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025 Despite its relatively old-school tech, when paired with fresh whole beans and a fine-tunable coffee grinder, even beginners can make some great coffee with a little knowhow (just read our guide to coffee brewing methods). Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 To differentiate from the impact of AI, lean into this old-school approach to adding value in the workplace. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The compact-but-not-cramped bathroom in my room had a lovely full tub (a non-negotiable essential to a good hotel stay) and old-school cool terrazzo floors. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for old-school

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-school was in 1749

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Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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