First Known Use: circa 1604
Dictionary
1classic
adjective clas·sic \ˈkla-sik\
—used to say that something has come to be considered one of the best of its kind
—used to say that something is an example of excellence
—used to describe something that has been popular for a long time
Full Definition of CLASSIC
1
a : serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value <classic literary works> 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
3
a : historically memorable <a classic battle> b : noted because of special literary or historical associations <Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates>
4
a : authentic, authoritative 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
See classic defined for English-language learners
See classic defined for kids
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Origin of CLASSIC
French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis
Related to CLASSIC
- Synonyms
- archetypal (also archetypical), model, definitive, exemplary, imitable, paradigmatic, quintessential, textbook
Other Literature Terms
2classic
noun
: something that has been considered to be excellent for a long time
classics : the study of the literature, language, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome
: a traditional event
Full Definition of CLASSIC
1
: a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
2
a : a work of enduring excellence; also : its author b : an authoritative source
3
: a typical or perfect example
4
: a traditional event <a football classic>
See classic defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLASSIC
1711
Related to CLASSIC
- Synonyms
- beau ideal, ideal, eidolon, exemplar, idea, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, paragon, patron saint
Other Literature Terms
CLASSIC Defined for Kids
1classic
adjective clas·sic \ˈkla-sik\
Definition of CLASSIC for Kids
1
: serving as a model of the best of its kind <It's a classic story for children.>
2
: fashionable year after year <a classic style>
3
: of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture <classic sculptures>
4
: being typical of its kind <a classic mistake>
2classic
noun
Definition of CLASSIC for Kids
1
: a written work or author of ancient Greece or Rome
2
: a great work of art <a classic of literature>
3
: something long regarded as outstanding of its kind <a classic car>
Medical Dictionary
classic
adjective clas·sic \ˈklas-ik\
Medical Definition of CLASSIC
: standard or recognized especially because of great frequency or consistency of occurrence <the classic triad of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis signaling Reiter's syndrome—Emergency Medicine>
Variants of CLASSIC
clas·sic or clas·si·cal \-i-kəl\
Learn More About CLASSIC
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