Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

old school

ADJECTIVE
traditional
Synonyms
WEAK
acceptable accustomed classic classical conservative conventional customary habitual long-established old old line popular regular rooted time-honored
NOUN
earliest way of doing things
Synonyms
WEAK
backward-looking conforming conservative earlier generation leftovers old line old-fashioned past traditional unprogressive
old-school
ADJECTIVE
traditional
Synonyms
WEAK
acceptable accustomed backward-looking classic classical conforming conservative conventional customary habitual long-established old guard old-fashioned old-line popular regular rooted time-honored traditional unprogressive
NOUN
supporters of established custom or of conservatism
Synonyms
WEAK
conservative earlier generation old guard

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fan Harry, 21, who works at a Rolling Stones clothing store also in London's Soho district, welcomed the snippets of the new material that he had heard, calling it "very old school".

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

When I was scouting for Kei, I had to do it old school — go back and watch matches and learn different things about different players.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Giardina’s prescription, and that of many other liberals and progressives in the region, is straightforward — and old school.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

It was, undeniably, an "old school cup tie" - one which both managers agreed provided "a bit of a throwback".

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

After searching all over the house for days, he had found an old school satchel, in a drawer in one of the spare bedrooms.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill