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Definitions

old-world

[ohld-wurld] / ˈoʊldˈwɜrld /
ADJECTIVE
retro
Synonyms
STRONG
period
WEAK
dated evocative in period style nostalgic old-fashioned out-of-date passé
Antonyms
WEAK
modern
ADJECTIVE
quaint
Synonyms
STRONGEST
antiquated archaic charming curious cute fanciful picturesque twee whimsical
WEAK
Gothic Victorian affected ancient antique artful baroque captivating colonial enchanting ingenious pleasing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
modern new ordinary ugly
WEAK
common conventional current newfangled regular up-to-date usual
NOUN
native land
Synonyms
STRONGEST
country of origin homeland
WEAK
God's country birthplace fatherland home mother country motherland native soil old country old world terra firma the old country
NOUN
old country
Synonyms
WEAK
birthplace country of origin fatherland homeland mother country motherland native country native land native soil old world one's native soil the old country

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.

For old world viruses, the mortality rate can be as high as 14 percent.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Platner’s tattoo, then, is a particularly charged showdown between vectors of progressivism headed in opposite directions—the old world and the new.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

It continues: “The cottage exudes old world charm with wooden walls, built-in bookshelves, a window with diamond mullions, and many nooks and crannies while still offering modern amenities for today’s living.”

From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 2025

"Knowing the vulgarity of the old world, today I try to avoid being listened to by the new world – so that I don't come across as detestable," he told the court.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2025

My old world had moved on without me.

From "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling