traditional

adjective

tra·​di·​tion·​al trə-ˈdi-sh(ə-)nəl 

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

Synonyms

• classical
• conventional
• customary
• prescriptive

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

And unlike traditional towers, remote systems may not provide the same clarity, especially in poor weather conditions, making quick decision-making more difficult. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

What to expect: Colorful performances, a market and traditional music along with family-friendly activities and plenty of authentic street food at the Far East Center. —Axios Denver, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025

Coupled with a rising interest in traditional gender roles among younger daters, the dating wealth gap has felt wider and ever-present. —Myisha Battle, TIME, 31 Jan. 2025

However, there were three more traditional bicyclist deaths in that period. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing traditional

• anti-traditional
• go/take the traditional route

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

-ē

adverb