classic

adjective
clas·​sic | \ ˈkla-sik How to pronounce classic (audio) \

Definition of classic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value classic literary works a classic case study on hysteria
b : traditional, enduring classic designs
c : characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year a classic suit
2 : of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
3a : historically memorable a classic battle
b : noted because of special literary or historical associations Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
4a : authentic, authoritative a classic study of eyewitness accounts
b : typical a classic example of chicanery a classic error
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900

classic

noun

Definition of classic (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome studied the classics in college
2a : a work of enduring excellence His manual of biology has become a classic among scientists. also : its author He had already become a classic many years before his death.
b : an authoritative source
3 : a typical or perfect example His march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance.
4 : a traditional event a football classic

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Examples of classic in a Sentence

Adjective

She prefers classic furniture designs. It's a classic suit that won't go out of style. I like the car's classic contours. The battle was a classic example of poor planning.

Noun

That car is a classic. I like to read the classics. He teaches classics at the local university. She studied classics in college. an interest in the classics The football game is a Thanksgiving classic.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Audry directed an even better film than Olivia in Gigi (1949), which Vincente Minnelli remade nine years later as a classic MGM musical. Armond White, National Review, "The Vintage French Film Olivia Bests Today’s #Resistance Filmmakers," 21 Aug. 2019 Dozens of fans shared their excitement over the idea, but (of course) in classic internet fashion, there were a few who had less-than-kind things to say to the comedian. Christina Oehler, Health.com, "Amy Schumer Goes Off on Troll Who Asks How She'll 'Cope' if Her Son Has Autism," 16 Aug. 2019 In an Iron Bowl classic, Alabama's Johnny Musso (22) hops over line into endzone for crucial touchdown. SI.com, "College Football’s Top 150 Greatest Photos of All Time," 12 Aug. 2019 And now, a fifth installment of the classic story is set to be released this fall. Gianluca Russo, Teen Vogue, "It's Time For a More Inclusive "Cinderella Story"," 11 Aug. 2019 One of the first kids’ podcasts to grasp podcasts’ storytelling capabilities, this podcast shares kid-friendly renditions of classic stories, fairy tales and original works. Frannie Ucciferri, Washington Post, "Common Sense Media shares 25 great podcasts for kids," 6 Aug. 2019 With The Witch, Robert Eggers‘ breakout directorial debut of 2016, the filmmaker spun a hypnotic, supernatural tale that honored classic horror stories in spirit. Nick Romano, EW.com, "Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe risk madness in first The Lighthouse trailer," 30 July 2019 Co-artistic director Kirstin Franklin will direct this retelling of the classic biblical story as an epic family drama. Hannah Herrera Greenspan, chicagotribune.com, "Akvavit Theatre announces 2019 season," 30 July 2019 Subscribe to the Chronicle Vault newsletter, and get classic archive stories in your in-box twice a week. Bill Van Niekerken, SFChronicle.com, "Apollo 11’s return: ‘Fabulous moon cargo’ and an awkward Earl Warren speech," 24 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The animated 1992 classic also joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection on 4K and Blu-ray September 10. Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, "Aladdin and Jasmine Duet on Original Song 'Desert Moon' in Deleted Scene from Disney Remake," 24 Aug. 2019 Nail the look by sticking to the classics, but make sure they're done in a can't-miss-'em hue. Caylin Harris, Country Living, "The Best 'Big Little Lies' Costumes That'll Make You One of the Monterey 5 for Halloween," 23 Aug. 2019 Justin J Wee captured some of the most breathtaking looks, from popular DC and Marvel heroes to more obscure characters, along with new twists on the classics. Kam Burns, WIRED, "Queering Comics and Cosplay at Flame Con," 22 Aug. 2019 In the 1993 classic, Smith played Ronnie, a young single mother. Sydney Scott, Essence, "Jada Pinkett Smith Reveals Tupac Convinced Her To Take 'Menace II Society' Role," 21 Aug. 2019 Nike reverted to the Merlin in 2018, a design based on the original Geo Merlin, and this season’s ball is another modern take on the classic. SI.com, "Nike Launch Limited Edition Re-Make of Classic Geo Merlin Premier League Match Ball," 19 Aug. 2019 Olive oil, a little onion, and basil are the only other additions to the classic. Sheryl Julian, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipe: Ripe tomatoes, pickling cukes, and crispy croutons are tossed together in this panzanella," 19 Aug. 2019 Dillard scored on their first three possessions in the first quarter and never looked back as the Panthers drilled visiting Fort Lauderdale, 44-0 in the kickoff classic on Friday night. Gary Curreri, sun-sentinel.com, "Bowen, Dillard dominate Fort Lauderdale 44-0," 17 Aug. 2019 Stalls around the country offer any number of toppings, but the classics tend to be whipped cream, Nutella or fresh fruit. Julia Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, "10 Traditional Foods to Eat in Belgium—And Where to Try Them," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'classic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of classic

Adjective

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for classic

Adjective

French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis — see class entry 1

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More Definitions for classic

classic

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of classic

 (Entry 1 of 2)