classic

USKLAS-ik/ˈklæs.ɪk/

11 meanings of classic

1
very typicaladjective
Being a clear, typical example of a certain kind of thing.
That was a classic mistake that beginners often make.
Leaving the job until the last minute was a classic mistake.
UsageOften a classic case of or a classic mistake.
Similartypical, textbook, quintessential, archetypal, perfect
Oppositeatypical
Note
2
lasting worknouncountable
A work of art, such as a book, film, or song, admired for its quality over a long time.
Like an old movie your family watches every year and never gets tired of.
That old movie is a true classic that families watch every holiday.
The album became a classic within a few years of its release.
UsageOften a true classic or an instant classic.
Similarmasterpiece, masterwork, standard, masterpiece
3
adjective
Following the traditional or original form, rather than a newer version.
I prefer the classic recipe over the modern twist.
They ordered a classic cocktail instead of the trendy options.
Similartraditional, original, conventional, standard
4
adjective
Very good and still admired long after it was made, like a famous book, film, or style.
Like a favorite song that people still love to play many years later.
His writing has a classic elegance that never feels out of date.
Many classic books are still read in schools today.
UsageA classic film, but classical music. They are different words.
5
vintageadjective
From an earlier time or having the style of an earlier time.
Like an old toy passed down from your grandparents' time.
He restored a classic car from the 1950s.
He drives a classic car that is older than his father.
UsageMost often in classic car.
Similarvintage, retro, old
Oppositemodern, contemporary, modern
6
nouncountable
A perfect or early example of a certain style.
The 1959 Cadillac is a classic of tail-fin styling.
That chair is a classic of mid-century furniture design.
Similarmodel, exemplar, paradigm
7
sports eventnouncountable
A big, important sports event that has been held for many years.
The marathon is a classic that draws runners from around the world.
The spring bike race is a classic that riders dream of winning.
8
ancient worldadjective
Relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans and their best writers.
UsageToday people usually say classical for this: classical Greece.
Similarclassical, ancient

Less common meanings

9
horse racenouncountable
Any one of five famous British horse races held each flat racing season.
Her horse won a classic at Epsom last June.
Trainers spend years preparing a colt for a classic.
Note
10
great authornouncountable
A writer whose work has lasting worth and is loved for a very long time.
Dickens is a classic, still read in schools more than a century after his death.
The poet is now a classic, and her books are taught in schools.
Similarmaster, great, luminary
11
Latin scholarnoundatedcountable
A person who has studied the writings of ancient Greece and Rome.
Similarclassicist
Note

Practice

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Origin

From French classique, from Latin classicus, meaning something about the classes of Roman citizens, especially the highest one.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

English classic comes from French classique. en.wiktionary.org
French classique comes from Latin classicus. en.wiktionary.org
Latin classicus referred to the classes of Roman citizens, especially the highest class. en.wiktionary.org