classical
adjective
clas·si·cal
ˈkla-si-kəl 
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
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
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
Most systems still rely on classical computing architecture to handle many tasks, which creates speed bottlenecks.
—
Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, the classical pianist and best-selling author Jeremy Denk, like many people, is trying to figure out how to cope.
—The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025
The gate is an imposing sandstone façade, beautifully detailed with wreaths, moldings, cornices, and other elements of classical architecture.
—Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025
Trachtenberg’s mother found her just hours before Santa Fe authorities found the bodies of Gene Hackman, his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs, at their home.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for classical
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Bernard Marr, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, the classical pianist and best-selling author Jeremy Denk, like many people, is trying to figure out how to cope.
—The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025
The gate is an imposing sandstone façade, beautifully detailed with wreaths, moldings, cornices, and other elements of classical architecture.
—Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025
Trachtenberg’s mother found her just hours before Santa Fe authorities found the bodies of Gene Hackman, his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs, at their home.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for classical
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
classical
adjective
clas·si·cal
ˈklas-i-kəl
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
5
: concerned with a general study of the arts and sciences and not specializing in technical studies
a classical high school
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