traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce traditional (audio)
1
: of or relating to tradition : consisting of or derived from tradition
a traditional celebration
2
: handed down from age to age
traditional history
traditional songs/stories
3
: following or conforming to tradition : adhering to past practices or established conventions
traditional morality
traditional values/beliefs
employing traditional methods of cooking
traditionally adverb
a dish traditionally made with egg yolks, cream, and sugar
a seating area traditionally reserved for the church's leaders

Examples of traditional in a Sentence

a traditional Passover meal at his grandparents' house a family that is very traditional when it comes to institutions like marriage
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.
Unlike many intensive wellness getaways that demand strict schedules and early wake-up times, this series takes a more balanced approach and is in fact meant to slot seamlessly into a traditional luxury vacation. Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 All eyes were on the Ambanis’ daughter-in-law, Radhika, in her archival corset from Westwood’s Fall 1990 portrait collection, aptly paired with a traditional Chanderi saree. Footwear News, 24 June 2025 Some of Washington’s partners may wait for a while, hoping that their American friends will come to their senses and try to reestablish something akin to the traditional U.S. leadership role. Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025 Unfortunately, California does not have traditional laws that hold alcohol vendors liable for damage caused by drunken patrons. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for traditional

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of traditional was in 1545

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Cite this Entry

“Traditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traditional. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

traditional

adjective
tra·​di·​tion·​al
trə-ˈdish-nəl,
-ən-ᵊl
1
: handed down from age to age without writing
2
: based on custom
our traditional Thanksgiving dinner
traditionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on traditional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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