Etymology From French classique, from Latin classic(us) (“relating to the classes of Roman citizenry, especially the highest”), from classis. By surface analysis, class + -ic. Piecewise doublet of classy.
Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.
During the whole time of his abode in the university he generally spent thirteen hours of the day in study; by which assiduity besides an exact dispatch of the whole course of philosophy, he read over in a manner all classic authors that are extant[…]1661, John Fell, The Life of the most learned, reverend and pious Dr. H. Hammond:
Give, as thy last memorial to the age, / One classic drama, and reform the stage.1809, Lord Byron, English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers:
2
Exemplary of a particular style; defining a class or category; typical; archetypical; epitomic.
He has a classic case of narcissism.
The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. No one queried it. It was in the classic pattern of human weakness, mean and embarrassing and sad.1963, Margery Allingham, “Eye Witness”, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC, page 249:
3
Exhibiting timeless quality and excellence.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a 1960 classic book by Harper Lee.
4
Characteristic of or from the past; old; retro; vintage.
watching classic movies as a hobby
5
Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, especially to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds.
1819, Felicia Hemans, The Widow of Crescentius Though throned midst Latium's classic plains.
6
Traditional; original.
Users who dislike the new visual layout can return to classic mode.
Many of these classic methods are still used, with some modern improvements. For example, with the aid of special microphones and automated sound detection software, ornithologists recently reported […] that pine siskins (Spinus pinus) undergo an irregular, nomadic type of nocturnal migration.2013 January 1, Paul Bartel, Ashli Moore, “Avian Migration: The Ultimate Red-Eye Flight”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 1, pages 47–48:
7
Informal Extremely, and usually comically, apropos.
It was classic - the way she slipped on a banana peel while she was telling us all to be careful!
Etymology From French classique, from Latin classic(us) (“relating to the classes of Roman citizenry, especially the highest”), from classis. By surface analysis, class + -ic. Piecewise doublet of classy.
1
A perfect and/or early example of a particular style.
2
An artistic work of lasting worth, such as a film or song; a work of enduring excellence.
JAMES CARTER: The man's destroying a classic!2001, Jeff Nathanson, Rush Hour 2, New Line Cinema:
3
The author of such a work.
It was the first work to which he had put his name; and it at once raised him to the rank of a legitimate English classic.1856 February, [Thomas Babington] Macaulay, “[Contributions to the Encyclopædia Britannica.] Oliver Goldsmith.”, in T[homas] F[lower] E[llis], editor, The Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches of Lord Macaulay, new edition, London: Longman, Green, Reader, & Dyer, published 1871, →OCLC, page 366:
4
A major, long-standing sporting event.
5
Hobbies, Horse racing, Horseracing, Horses, Lifestyle, Pets, Racing, Sports Any of the British Classic Races, five long-standing Group 1 horse races run during the traditional flat racing season.
The goal of the top horses was to win a Classic (or preferably three, thus claiming the Triple Crown) or the Ascot Gold Cup, […]2012, Dr Joyce Kay, Professor Wray Vamplew, Encyclopedia of British Horse Racing, page 316:
6
Dated One learned in the literature of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome; a student of classical literature.