old-school

1 of 2

adjective

ˈōl(d)-ˌskül How to pronounce old-school (audio)
Synonyms of old-schoolnext
1
: adhering to traditional policies or practices
an old-school coach
2
: characteristic or evocative of an earlier or original style, manner, or form
old-school music

old school

2 of 2

noun

: adherents of traditional policies and practices

Synonyms of old-school

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Adjective

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Examples of old-school in a Sentence

Adjective an old-school romantic comedy in which the two leads don't jump into bed at the first opportunity an old-school gentleman who opened doors and pulled out chairs for women
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.
Adjective
The buyer of Lindy’s could keep the old-school steakhouse running, rebrand it or pursue other options for the property, with a sale expected to close by the end of the year. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 18 Oct. 2026 Hair oiling has moved from an old-school ritual to a mainstream pre-wash step, and readers want to know whether applying oil to the scalp before shampoo actually delivers results. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 The project came together in record time in old-school fashion at the Mipcom content market and conference in Cannes. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Billboard chatted with October’s Hip-Hop Up & Comer, Noodah 05, about the origins of his name, why old-school R&B always has him in a chokehold, his desire to emulate André 3000, and his aspirations to become the new-age Thanos of rap. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for old-school

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1749, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-school was in 1749

Rhymes for old-school

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Browse Nearby Words

Old Scandinavian
old-school
old school
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Cite this Entry

“Old-school.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-school. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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