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
Untitled shows a half-length image of a distressed-looking figure seemingly wearing a laurel wreath, a symbol of triumph in classical iconography.
—
Brian Boucher For Artnews, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Andrew Scott, a classical studies professor at Villanova University, likens them to battle reenactments of the American Civil War.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
The election may be over, but music is not done weighing in, writes Times classical music critic Mark Swed in a piece of commentary about two new-music groups tackling the complexity of current politics in their latest work.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Not least in its dramatic centerpiece: a 20-meter pool featuring eight columns of arabesque marble, with sparkling niches of black-and-gold housing both relaxation areas and 19th-century replicas of classical statues.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for classical 
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Brian Boucher For Artnews, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
Andrew Scott, a classical studies professor at Villanova University, likens them to battle reenactments of the American Civil War.
—Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024
The election may be over, but music is not done weighing in, writes Times classical music critic Mark Swed in a piece of commentary about two new-music groups tackling the complexity of current politics in their latest work.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Not least in its dramatic centerpiece: a 20-meter pool featuring eight columns of arabesque marble, with sparkling niches of black-and-gold housing both relaxation areas and 19th-century replicas of classical statues.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for classical
Dictionary Entries Near classical
Cite this Entry
“Classical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/classical. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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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