classic

The definition of classic is someone or something of the highest rank, that acts as a stable model or standards, has lasting worth, is typical or relates to ancient Greece or Rome.

(adjective)

  1. An example of classic is a 1934 Ford Deluxe.
  2. An example of classic is Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger.

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See classic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of the highest class; being a model of its kind; excellent; standard; authoritative; established: a classic example of expressionism
  2. classical (senses & )
  3. of or having a style that is balanced, formal, objective, restrained, regular, simple, etc.
  4. famous or well-known, esp. as being traditional or typical: a classic court case
  5. Informal continuing in fashion because of its simple style: said of an article of apparel

Origin: L classicus, relating to the (highest) classes of the Roman people, hence, superior < classis, class

noun

  1. a writer, artist, etc. or a literary or artistic work, generally recognized as excellent, authoritative, etc.
    1. the works produced by the outstanding authors of ancient Greece and Rome: usually with the
    2. the field of study dealing with these works and with ancient Greek and Latin: her major is classics
  2. ☆ a famous traditional or typical event: the Kentucky Derby is a racing classic
  3. Informal a suit, dress, etc. that is classic in style
  4. Informal an automobile of the period 1925-42

See classic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. a. Belonging to the highest rank or class.
    b. Serving as the established model or standard: a classic example of colonial architecture.
    c. Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.
  2. a. Adhering or conforming to established standards and principles: a classic piece of research.
    b. Of a well-known type; typical: a classic mistake.
  3. Of or characteristic of the literature, art, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome; classical.
  4. a. Formal, refined, and restrained in style.
    b. Simple and harmonious; elegant: the classic cut of a suit; the classic lines of a clipper ship.
  5. Having historical or literary associations: classic battlefields of the Civil War.
noun
  1. An artist, author, or work generally considered to be of the highest rank or excellence, especially one of enduring significance.
  2. A work recognized as definitive in its field.
  3. a. A literary work of ancient Greece or Rome.
    b. classics The languages and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Used with the.
    c. One that is of the highest rank or class: The car was a classic of automotive design.
  4. A typical or traditional example.
  5. Informal A superior or unusual example of its kind: The reason he gave for being late was a classic.
  6. A traditional event, especially a major sporting event that is held annually: a golf classic.

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