classic
classic — adjective
1. Regarded as being among the very best of its kind, so that other things of the s
Regarded as being among the very best of its kind, so that other things of the same type are judged against it.
Casablanca is a classic film that people still watch more than seventy years later.
Ravi bought a classic leather jacket from a shop in Milan that lasts forever.
classic + noun for timeless high-quality item
The novel is considered a classic example of science fiction from the 1950s.
Many music schools teach students to play classic pieces by Beethoven and Mozart.
That design has become a classic look for modern kitchens around the world.
classic + noun for enduringly popular design
- classic film
- classic novel
- classic example
- classic design
- classic style
- classic piece
- classic case
- timeless
emphasizes that something never goes out of fashion; slightly more poetic than classic
- iconic
focuses on being widely recognized and symbolic of a category, often used for images or figures
- definitive
suggests the work sets the standard so completely that others are measured against it
- mediocre
describes something of only average or poor quality
- forgettable
describes something not worth remembering or returning to
Usage Note
When describing creative works, 'classic' implies a standard of quality that has lasted over time — unlike 'popular', which only describes current appeal.
Common Mistakes
2. Used in informal speech to describe something that amuses you greatly or strikes
Used in informal speech to describe something that amuses you greatly or strikes you as especially silly, annoying, or bad in a memorable way.
Leila locked herself out three times last week — it was classic!
informal exclamation: 'That's classic!'
The waiter spilled water on the cake and then blamed the cat. Classic!
It was a classic moment when Tomás tried to impress everyone and fell off his chair.
My brother forgot his passport at home for the third trip in a row — absolutely classic.
- that's classic
- absolutely classic
- classic moment
Usage Note
This sense is almost always used in exclamations ('Classic!', 'That's classic!') after a funny or frustrating event. It is informal and common in British English conversation.
Common Mistakes
3. Having all the features that you would normally expect from a particular type of
Having all the features that you would normally expect from a particular type of person, thing, or situation.
Priya showed all the classic signs of a cold: sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat.
classic signs/symptoms of [condition]
The building has a classic Victorian design with tall windows and a steep roof.
His speech followed the classic pattern of greeting, thanking, and then presenting the award.
It is a classic case of the company growing faster than its managers can handle.
classic case of [situation] — typical example
The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes like pasta and tiramisu.
- classic signs
- classic symptoms
- classic case
- classic example
- classic pattern
- classic style
- typical
more neutral; classic adds a sense of being a textbook example
- standard
focuses on what is normal or usual, without implying anything special
- archetypal
more formal; emphasizes the original model from which others are copied
4. Said about a bad or unwelcome situation that is frustrating but exactly what you
Said about a bad or unwelcome situation that is frustrating but exactly what you would expect, often because it has happened before.
The train was delayed again. Classic — it always happens when you are in a hurry.
exclamation: 'Classic' — standalone frustrated remark
Noa arrived late to the meeting right when the boss asked that question. Classic!
It rained on the day of the picnic — classic British summer weather.
Oh classic — the laptop battery died just as I was about to save my work.
- classic — it always
- oh classic
- classic [noun phrase] + weather/timing/moment
- typical
used in the same exasperated way, though classic carries stronger frustration
- predictable
focuses on the outcome being expected, less emotional tone
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 2 (EXTREMELY FUNNY/BAD): sense 2 focuses on something amusingly silly, while sense 4 focuses on frustrating inevitability. This sense is common in British informal speech — American speakers more often use 'typical' for the same tone.
5. Used to describe clothes, furniture, or design that is not complicated or showy
Used to describe clothes, furniture, or design that is not complicated or showy and stays popular regardless of changing fashion.
Aiko wore a classic black dress and simple pearl earrings to the ceremony.
classic + clothing: timeless fashion item
The furniture shop sells classic oak tables that never go out of style.
Diego prefers classic white shirts to anything with patterns or bright colours.
Their home has a classic interior with wooden floors, white walls, and cosy sofas.
A classic navy-blue suit is useful for job interviews and formal dinners alike.
classic + item: versatile, enduring wardrobe piece
- classic black dress
- classic suit
- classic style
- classic design
- classic white shirt
- classic look
- timeless
similarly positive and refers to something that never loses appeal
- traditional
broader and can apply to customs; classic has a style/elegance nuance
- simple
focuses on lack of decoration, without the positive quality judgement
Usage Note
Unlike 'old-fashioned' (which can imply something is outdated), 'classic' in this sense is purely positive — it means the item is simple, elegant, and always appropriate.
Common Mistakes
classic — noun
1. A book, film, piece of music, or other creative work that is widely recognized f
A book, film, piece of music, or other creative work that is widely recognized for its excellence and has lasting importance or appeal.
The Great Gatsby is a classic that high school students read all over the world.
This Sinatra album is a classic — every song sounds as fresh today as in the 1960s.
Yara borrowed several movie classics from the library to watch over the weekend.
noun: 'a classic' / plural: 'classics'
The novel quickly became a modern classic after winning the top literary prize.
The film is regarded as a classic of Japanese cinema from the post-war period.
a classic of [genre/nationality]
- a classic of
- modern classic
- instant classic
- become a classic
- consider a classic
- regarded as a classic
- masterpiece
focuses on exceptional skill in creation; stronger praise than classic
- masterwork
similar to masterpiece, slightly more formal
- icon
used for a work or item that is widely symbolic of a whole category
- flop
a work that fails commercially or critically
Usage Note
A work is called 'a classic' only after it has been admired for a significant period — usually at least several decades. Recent popular works may be called 'instant classics' but this is informal and promotional.
Common Mistakes
2. The most highly respected works of literature, especially those from ancient Gre
The most highly respected works of literature, especially those from ancient Greece and Rome or from other major literary traditions, studied for their lasting value.
Hana studied English literature and read the classics from Shakespeare to Austen.
the classics: body of great literary works
Many university courses require students to read the classics of Western philosophy.
His grandmother gave him a collection of Russian classics by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.
The library has a special room dedicated to the classics of Chinese poetry.
- the classics
- read the classics
- classics of [literature/philosophy]
- Russian classics
- Chinese classics
- canon
the accepted body of important works in a field; more academic term
- great works
a straightforward paraphrase; less specific than classics
Usage Note
This sense is almost always used in the plural ('the classics'). It refers to the body of great works collectively, not a single item. Compare with sense 1, where 'a classic' refers to one specific work.
Common Mistakes
3. The academic subject that involves studying the languages, literature, history,
The academic subject that involves studying the languages, literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
Rohan is studying Classics at Oxford and learning both Latin and ancient Greek.
capitalised: 'Classics' as a degree subject
A degree in Classics can lead to careers in teaching, law, or museum work.
The Classics department organised a trip to see the ruins of Pompeii.
Nadia chose to study Classics because she loves ancient stories and mythology.
- study Classics
- degree in Classics
- Classics department
- read Classics
- Classics student
- classical studies
a more transparent term for the same academic field
- ancient history
overlapping but focuses more on historical events than languages and literature
Usage Note
When referring to the academic field, 'Classics' is usually capitalised. It is distinct from sense 2 ('the classics') — sense 3 is the study itself, while sense 2 is the body of works studied.
Common Mistakes
4. An item of clothing that has a simple, elegant design and remains fashionable ye
An item of clothing that has a simple, elegant design and remains fashionable year after year.
A trench coat is a classic that every wardrobe should include for rainy days.
noun: 'a classic' — a timeless clothing item
Beatriz bought a pair of leather boots that are a real classic — simple and durable.
The little black dress is a classic for evening events throughout the year.
Denim jackets have become a classic in casual fashion across all age groups.
- a classic
- wardrobe classic
- fashion classic
- real classic
- become a classic
- fad
a short-lived fashion that quickly disappears
Usage Note
This sense overlaps with the adjective sense 5 (TRADITIONAL style). When used as a noun, 'a classic' refers to a specific item, whereas the adjective describes the item's quality.
5. An important and prestigious sporting event or competition, usually one that tak
An important and prestigious sporting event or competition, usually one that takes place regularly and attracts the best competitors.
Wimbledon is a classic of the tennis calendar that players dream of winning.
a classic of [sport] — a major event
The Masters golf tournament is considered a classic among professional players.
This weekend's football match is a classic between two rival teams from the same city.
The Boston Marathon is a classic that runners train for months to complete.
- a classic of [sport]
- sporting classic
- become a classic
- showpiece
an event designed to impress; slightly more formal
- prestigious event
describes the high status without the timeless-quality nuance
Usage Note
In sports contexts, 'a classic' may also describe a particularly exciting or memorable match between any two opponents, not just a regular annual event. For example: 'That final was a classic.'
6. One of the five most important horse races of the British flat-racing season, wh
One of the five most important horse races of the British flat-racing season, where horses run without jumping over fences.
The Epsom Derby is one of the five British Classics run each year.
capitalised: British Classics = the five major flat races
Horse owners dream of winning a Classic with their best young horse.
The 2000 Guineas is the first Classic of the British flat-racing season.
The trainer prepared his horse for all five Classics during the spring and summer.
- British Classics
- win a Classic
- Classic race
- Classic winner
Usage Note
In this specific horseracing sense, 'Classic' is often capitalised and refers to a defined set of five races: the 2000 Guineas, 1000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Epsom Oaks, and St Leger. This is a specialized term and rarely used outside UK racing contexts.
Word family
- classicaladjectiveB1
- classicsnounB2
- classicismnounC1
- classicistnounC1
- classicallyadverbB2
Synonym discussion
Sense: adjective/1
All four words describe something of lasting high quality, but they highlight different aspects. 'Classic' (adj/1) focuses on being among the best of its kind and setting a standard — a classic film is one others are measured against. 'Timeless' emphasises that something never goes out of fashion or loses its appeal; it is more poetic and often used for beauty, style, or art ('a timeless melody'). 'Iconic' stresses wide recognisability and symbolic status — an iconic image is instantly known and represents a whole category ('an iconic movie scene that everyone remembers'). 'Definitive' suggests that a work is so complete and excellent that it becomes the ultimate reference point ('the definitive biography of Lincoln'). A classic film may also be iconic, but the terms differ in emphasis: classic = standard of excellence, iconic = symbolic recognition. For everyday conversation, 'classic' and 'timeless' are the safest choices.
Common collocations
Nouns
- classic film
- classic novel
- classic design
- classic example
- classic style
- classic case
Adverbs
- truly classic
- absolutely classic
- really classic
- instantly classic
Phrases
- a classic of its kind
- a classic example of
- become a classic
- regarded as a classic
- modern classic
Prepositions
- classic of
- classic in
- classic among
Etymology
'Classic' traces back to the Latin word 'classicus', which originally meant 'belonging to the highest class of Roman citizens'. In the 2nd century, the Roman writer Aulus Gellius used 'classicus scriptor' ('a class-worthy writer') to describe authors of the highest rank. By the 17th century, English adopted 'classic' to describe works and authors of the first order — those that set the standard. The noun sense 'the classics' (great literature) emerged in the 18th century, and the informal exclamation sense ('Classic!') developed in the 20th century.